As several agencies piece together what led to the explosion near the Red Fort on Monday evening that killed at least 13 people, several questions remain unanswered. Here’s what is known so far — and what investigators are still probing.
1. How did the car reach the spot?
Around 6.30 pm on Monday, the area around the Red Fort and the adjoining Chandni Chowk market was teeming with people when a white Hyundai i20 arrived. Minutes later, the car exploded as it moved toward the main red-light intersection near the monument. Over a dozen vehicles caught fire and body parts were found scattered within a 100-metre radius.
The car was seen parked in the area for three hours before it was driven out. It is yet to be ascertained how the car managed to be stationary for so long in the area and how it managed to negotiate through the traffic.
2. Who were involved
The police have pieced together several links from their investigation. However, the identity of the car driver and the passengers, although suspected, is not confirmed yet.
3. How did the car enter Delhi and who owned it?
After scanning over 100 CCTV cameras, Delhi Police found that the Hyundai i20 was first spotted outside Asian Hospital in Faridabad around 7.30 am on Monday. It entered Delhi from the Badarpur toll at 8.13 am. Investigators have traced the vehicle to a 34-year-old Pulwama resident who bought it on October 29. His identity is yet to be officially disclosed. Police are now checking the chain of ownership.
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4. What material were used in the explosion?
Investigators are checking the possible use of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil and detonators in the blast. Samples from the gutted vehicles, including the i20, have been collected for examination to confirm the exact composition and trigger mechanism. The use of RDX hasn’t been ruled out either.
5. Was it related to the recent explosives recovery in Faridabad?
Raids are underway at multiple locations, and security across Delhi-NCR, including airports, railway stations and bus terminals — has been tightened.
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Earlier, the J&K Police had said they arrested two doctors — Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganai from Pulwama and Dr Adeel Majeed Rather from Qazigund — in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh over the past two weeks. The police also claimed to have recovered 350 kg explosives, suspected to be ammonium nitrate, from Ganai’s rented house in Faridabad’s Dhauj just hours before the blast. On Tuesday, too, the police launched a large-scale raid in Faridabad. However, it is not clear if there is any connection between the Faridabad explosives recovery and the Delhi blast.
6. Was it a terror attack?
Police sources said the man driving the car was identified as Umar Mohammad, a doctor from Pulwama. He is suspected to have links to a terror module busted in Faridabad earlier the same day. An FIR has been registered under Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act at Kotwali police station. However, there is confirmation on the blast being a terror attack.
Check the latest updates on the investigation and other news related to the Delhi blast here.
