Red Fort Blast A 'Hasty' Act? Successful Anti-Terror Raids May Have Put Suspect Under Pressure

Last Updated:November 12, 2025, 00:44 IST

Government sources said the car blast near Red Fort Metro was a result of panic and desperation as security agencies intensified raids aimed at busting suspected terror modules

Charred remains of vehicles at a cordoned off area following a blast that occurred near Red Fort Metro on November 10, 2025, killing at least 12 people. (Image: PTI)

Raids by security agencies at various locations in Delhi-NCR and Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir led to the recovery of significant quantities of explosives, prompting the suspect in Red Fort car blast to act hastily under mounting pressure, sources said.

According to government sources, the blast was a result of panic and desperation as agencies intensified raids aimed at busting suspected terror modules. Additionally, the bomb was premature and not fully developed, which minimised its impact and the resulting explosion did not create a crater, while no shrapnel or projectiles were found.

Government officials have claimed that the anti-terror raids were successful, and a major attack was prevented due to “pan-India alertness and coordinated crackdowns" on suspected modules.

Footage from CCTV cameras show that the car involved in the blast was driven by Dr Umar. Preliminary forensic analysis suggests the explosion was caused by the same material recovered in Faridabad, but whether this was pre-planned or accidental is still under investigation.

SWIFT ACTION AGAINST SUSPECTED JAISH MODULE

The sources said agencies acted swiftly and decisively against the Jaish-e-Mohammed module allegedly linked to the Red Fort blast.

“This operation reflects the relentless dedication of India’s intelligence agencies, security forces, and law enforcement personnel, who work tirelessly to safeguard the nation and its citizens. The investigation has revealed that the Red Fort blast was connected to certain objectionable posters found within the jurisdiction of Naugam Police Post in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, which led to the registration of an FIR on October 19, 2025," sources said.

During the investigation, Maulvi Irfan Ahmad Waghe was arrested from Shopian and Zameer Ahmad from Wakura in Ganderbal, between October 20 and 27. On November 5, Dr Adeel was apprehended from Saharanpur and, on November 7, an AK-56 rifle and other ammunition were seized from Anantnag hospital.

Further raids on November 8 at Al-Falah Medical College led to the recovery of additional firearms, pistols, and explosives. Interrogation of the arrested individuals revealed the involvement of more members in this module.

Acting on these leads, another doctor, Muzammil, from Al-Falah Medical College, Faridabad, was arrested. Subsequent information led to several additional arrests and the seizure of a large cache of weapons and explosives.

On November 9, a man identified as ‘Madarsi’, a resident of Dhauj in Faridabad, was arrested from his home. The following day, on November 10, security agencies discovered a massive consignment of 2,563 kg of explosives at the house of Hafeez Mohammad Ishtiaq, a resident of Mewat and the imam of Al-Falah mosque in Faridabad’s Dhera Colony.

During these raids, another 358 kg of explosive material, along with detonators and timers, was also recovered. In total, nearly 3,000 kg of explosives and bomb-making materials were seized from this module. Dr Umar, also working at Al-Falah Medical College, managed to evade arrest during the crackdown.

‘EXPLOSIVES NOT ASSEMBLED FOR DETONATION’

Sources said India’s intelligence and security agencies have successfully dismantled the Faridabad terror module and prevented a potentially catastrophic terror plot aimed at large-scale destruction. Dr Umar’s flight following the series of arrests, driven by panic and desperation, appears linked to the Red Fort blast, which remains under investigation.

Immediately after the blast on November 10, Delhi Police and other security agencies reached the site. Union Home Minister Amit Shah directed the NSG, NIA, and forensic teams to rush to the scene. The injured were taken to nearby hospitals.

Ownership of the vehicle used in the blast has been confirmed. Essential DNA, explosive, and forensic samples have been collected and sent for examination. The case was formally handed over to the NIA on November 11 to ensure a comprehensive probe into all aspects, including the funding and operational links of the terror module.

A section of officers within the police and central agencies believes the explosion near the traffic signal in the Red Fort-Chandni Chowk area may have been accidental, possibly triggered by friction or during the transport of explosives to a safer location.

While the investigation is ongoing, prima facie evidence suggests the materials recovered from the mangled i20 were not configured for an immediate strike. There were no sharp nails, splinters, or metal fragments — components typically found in IEDs designed to maximise casualties.

“The explosives seemed raw, not assembled for detonation," a senior officer said.

The officer also confirmed that the car was moving slowly near a signal when the blast occurred, rather than being parked or remotely detonated.

“It looks like the explosion happened inside the vehicle, possibly due to friction or mishandling," another senior central agency officer said.

FIDAYEEN ATTACK LARGELY RULED OUT

Sources said the pattern of the blast and the nature of the damage largely rule out a fidayeen (suicide) attack.

“A fidayeen mission usually involves a single trained operative," an official noted. “Here, it appears more than one person was in the car, and all died on the spot."

The incident comes close on the heels of coordinated raids by J&K and Haryana police on suspected terror modules and their overground accomplices and sympathisers. Following these operations, agencies suspect the module may have been relocating explosive material from a compromised hideout when the accident occurred.

Another officer said the working theory at Delhi Police headquarters is that a major terror strike might have been averted.

“They could have been planning multiple explosions. If so, the blast inside the car may have been a catastrophic mistake for the module, but one that prevented a larger tragedy," he added.

A TIMELINE OF KEY EVENTS

November 10, 2025

6.55 pm: Explosion near Red Fort Metro Station, Delhi

7.15 pm: Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Delhi police commissioner

9 pm: Shah briefed the media; Prime Minister Narendra Modi was apprised of the situation

9.30 pm: Home Minister reached LNJP Hospital

9.35 pm: Reviewed details with senior officers

9.45 pm: Met injured victims

9.55 pm: Spoke with doctors regarding their condition

10.10 pm: Addressed media from LNJP Hospital

10.20 pm: Visited the blast site

November 11, 2025

11 am: Amit Shah chaired two high-level meetings – first meeting with Union home secretary, IB director, NIA DG, Delhi police commissioner, Jammu DG; and second meeting with Union home secretary, NSG DG, NIA DG, DFSS director, FSL DG

2.30 pm: Investigation officially handed over to NIA

Ankur Sharma

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar...Read More

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar...

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