NEW DELHI, Nov 11: The death toll in the Red Fort blast rose to 12 on Tuesday as three more injured victims succumbed to their injuries, a day after a powerful explosion tore through a slow-moving hatchback near the Red Fort Metro Station, gutting several vehicles and injuring over 20 people.
In response, Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security review meeting with top officials, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, and NIA Director General Sadanand Vasant Date. The Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat joined virtually. Shah directed agencies to conduct an in-depth investigation into the incident and ensure enhanced security across the capital.
The Delhi Police registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, following preliminary findings suggesting a terror link. Security has been tightened across airports, railway stations, and bus terminals in the NCR, and multiple raids are underway across the city.
Investigators suspect that the car used in the attack was driven by Umar Mohammad, a Pulwama-based doctor, who may have connections with a Faridabad-based terror module. CCTV footage reportedly shows a masked man behind the wheel moments before the explosion. Authorities are scanning footage from nearby cameras to trace his movements and identify accomplices.
The blast occurred just hours after police in Faridabad recovered 2,900 kg of explosives and inflammable materials from two rented rooms belonging to another Kashmiri doctor. Officials noted that the explosive material used at Red Fort likely included ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators, similar to substances seized in Faridabad, although final forensic reports are awaited.
Investigations are ongoing, with combing and search operations continuing across Delhi and surrounding areas to prevent further threats and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
