Delhi Red Fort Car Blast: NIA Expands Probe, 42 Samples Collected Including Live Cartridges

A powerful car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort shocked the nation, killing 12 people and injuring several others. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has now taken over the case, expanding the probe across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir. Forensic teams have collected 42 crucial samples from the blast site, including parts of the i20 car, its tyres, CNG cylinder, bonnet fragments, and two live cartridges. Preliminary reports suggest traces of ammonium nitrate, though confirmation awaits full FSL analysis. Investigators have ruled out a suicide attack, calling it a panic-triggered explosion after suspect Dr. Umar allegedly acted in haste while attempting to flee. CCTV footage traced the vehicle’s slow movement through the Red Fort intersection before the sudden blast. Agencies are also examining links between a suspected “doctor module” operating across states. Security has been tightened around the Red Fort and nearby Chandni Chowk area, as the NIA continues to piece together the conspiracy behind the attack. The Prime Minister, returning from his foreign tour, is expected to hold high-level meetings on the matter. The investigation aims to uncover the full network involved and prevent similar incidents in the future.