Delhi car blast: Ammonia nitrate, fuel oil and detonators used in explosion near Red Fort, say sources

As the probe in connection with the blast near Red Fort that claimed 11 lives continues, the initial forensic findings have revealed that ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators were used to trigger the powerful explosion near Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, sources said. Teams of FSL, Delhi Police, and other investigating agencies continue their probe at the site near Red Fort, where a blast in a Hyundai i20 car.

It is pertinent to mention that the combination of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, commonly referred to as ANFO, is known for its high explosive potential when initiated with detonators.

Final report awaited

A final forensic report is still awaited, and investigators are continuing to examine residue samples collected from the blast site. Meanwhile, police and security agencies are focusing on identifying the source of the materials and tracing possible links to known terror modules.

According to sources, agencies strongly suspect that this was a terror strike and possibly a fidayeen-style attack. The car owner, identified as Tariq, has reportedly been detained from Pulwama. Police are yet to officially confirm the nature of the attack as agencies have been probing multiple angles for the past 12 hours. Sources claim that several key leads have already emerged and that investigators are actively connecting critical dots.

Possible links to Faridabad terror module

Initial findings suggest that the blast may have links to a Faridabad-based terror module. Agencies suspect that the explosive material was planted inside the car and deliberately triggered. Sources also revealed that an absconding terror suspect named Dr Umar Mohammad could have been inside the i20 vehicle at the time of the blast. As per the information, the Police will conduct DNA test to confirm whether the deceased in the car is indeed Umar. Umar had been on the run for several months and was considered a crucial operative of the Faridabad module. Investigators further revealed that the i20 car had entered Delhi from Haryana through the Badarpur route.

Delhi blast

The incident took place on Monday evening near Red Fort Metro Station, where a parked car exploded, killing around 11 people and injuring several others. The blaze also spread to surrounding vehicles which caused extensive damage. The injured were shifted to LNJP Hospital for treatment. The location in Old Delhi is known to be heavily crowded and the timing of the explosion has increased the seriousness of the probe.

Soon after the blast, Delhi Police, NIA teams, NSG commandos and forensic experts reached the spot to secure the area. CCTV footage is being scanned to trace suspicious movements and identify those involved. The entire zone has now been sealed off.