New Delhi | A low-intensity car explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort has triggered major security concerns at a time when national agencies have been cracking down on terror modules across the country. Investigators suspect the blast may have been triggered deliberately by panicked operatives after a series of high-profile arrests and seizures disrupted their wider plans.
According to top security sources, over the last 30 days, Delhi Police, central intelligence units and anti-terror squads across states have successfully dismantled eight major terror networks, linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, ISIS, ISI-backed operatives and Babbar Khalsa International. The agencies believe the rapid pace of these busts may have forced a cornered module to prematurely detonate the explosive-laden vehicle.
Red Fort Blast: A Foiled Bigger Plot?
Preliminary findings reveal that the vehicle involved in the Red Fort explosion had been parked at the site for nearly three hours before the blast. Forensic teams believe the car was already packed with explosives brought in from a larger consignment seized days earlier from the Delhi-NCR region.
Investigators are also probing whether the explosion was a deliberate suicide-triggered detonation or an accidental blast caused while transporting volatile material. The car’s registered owner had reportedly sold it a year ago; however, the identity and background of the new handlers remain suspicious.
A post on social media platform Reddit just hours before the blast—claiming heavy police movement near Red Fort—has also come under scrutiny.
Massive Hauls: 2,900 kg Explosives Recovered in Faridabad
The most significant breakthrough came on 10 November, when a multi-agency operation led to the discovery of nearly 2,900 kg of explosive materials from a Faridabad warehouse. The chemical components—ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur—were enough to manufacture hundreds of IEDs.
Two doctors, Dr. Muzammil Ganaie and Dr. Adil, were arrested in the case. Investigators believe that portions of this explosive stock had already been transported to Delhi, and may have been used in the Red Fort blast.
A Wave of Foiled Attacks Across India
In a span of four weeks, agencies cracked down on terror modules in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
Key breakthroughs include:
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Gujarat ATS Arrests ISIS Module (8 November)
Three ISIS-linked operatives were arrested from Gandhinagar, including an MBBS doctor. Weapons, ammunition and materials for manufacturing ricin gas were recovered.
The module was reportedly planning attacks in Ahmedabad, Delhi and on RSS offices. -
Rajasthan ATS Nabs Radical Cleric (7 November)
A Jalore-based cleric with connections to Afghanistan-based commanders was arrested for radicalising youth over four years. Four others were detained.
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Delhi ISIS Network Busted (24 October)
Two men planning fidayeen-style attacks in crowded markets were arrested with weapons and bomb-making electronics. -
Punjab Terror-Drugs Nexus Exposed (15 October)
A Pakistan-backed network supplying pistols and opium to gangsters was taken down. -
Pune Software Engineer Arrested (28 October)
A 33-year-old engineer was held for distributing Al-Qaeda propaganda and planning bomb blasts. -
Punjab Recovers RDX (9 October)
Two Babbar Khalsa terrorists were arrested with 2.5 kg of RDX and a remote-controlled IED. -
Andhra Pradesh Module Cracked (17 October)
Two ISIS-inspired suspects operating across multiple states were detained.
Sleeper Cells Still Active
Despite the successful string of operations, officials warn that several sleeper cells remain active, particularly in Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Intelligence sources suggest that the Faridabad raid alerted these networks, prompting them to abandon hideouts and transport materials hastily—creating conditions that could have led to Monday’s blast.
ISI’s Possible Hand
Security agencies strongly suspect that Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI has been reactivating its networks across India, especially after the setbacks following India’s Operation Sindoor.
Officers say the modus operandi indicates a decentralised “need-to-know” communication chain—typical of ISI-backed modules—where each operative handles only a fragment of the conspiracy.
NSG, NIA Investigating
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and NSG’s bomb specialists have begun reconstructing the blast to identify the exact explosive used. If traces of ammonium nitrate or RDX are found, investigators say the Red Fort blast will be directly linked to the Faridabad module.
As Delhi remains on high alert, agencies warn that thwarted terror plans may push operatives into desperate, unpredictable actions—making vigilance more critical than ever.
