Reality of the Red Fort Blast in Delhi: Who Was Behind It?
On 10 November 2025, a car explosion in central Delhi near the Red Fort metro station rocked the capital, leaving multiple dead and injured. Though investigations are ongoing, enough credible information has emerged to outline what happened — who may be responsible — and how authorities are responding.
What happened
The explosion occurred around 6:52 pm near Gate 1 of the Red Fort metro station, in a slow‑moving white Hyundai i20 vehicle that had stopped at a traffic signal. The blast ignited nearby vehicles, caused major destruction in the area, and killed at least eight people immediately, with further casualties as injured succumbed. The site is one of Delhi’s busiest, near the historic site of the Red Fort and part of the Old Delhi market area.
Who is behind it — emerging picture
Although no terror group has formally claimed responsibility yet, investigatory findings point to a complex network rather than an isolated event.
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White‑collar terror module
Investigators say the vehicle used and the materials seized point towards a “white‑collar” terror network: professionals (doctors, academics) employed as operatives or facilitators. Among the prominent names:-
Dr Umar Mohammad (sometimes “Un Nabi”), a doctor from Pulwama (Jammu & Kashmir), alleged to have owned/used the car that exploded.
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Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, other medical professionals linked to a module investigating major caches of explosives in Faridabad (Haryana) and J&K.
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The network allegedly used academic institutions, medical colleges, religious fronts for logistics, radicalisation, funds and arms movement.
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Explosive materials & coordination
Authorities recovered nearly 2,900 kg of suspected explosives (ammonium nitrate, other IED components) from two houses in Haryana (Faridabad) tied to the module. The blast‑vehicle is believed to have carried ammonium nitrate, fuel oil and detonators. Investigators also point to handlers based abroad (Turkey, Afghanistan) coordinating the network. -
Link to known terror groups
Preliminary intelligence suggests the network may have links to the Pakistan‑based militant group Jaish‑e‑Mohammed (JeM). Some reports suggest the attack may have been conceived as revenge for Indian operations against JeM bases. -
Why it may have exploded when it did
Investigators believe the blast may have been triggered prematurely — perhaps due to panic when arrests were made, rather than an optimally timed, fully executed fidayeen attack. The car reportedly had been parked for hours before explosion.
What it means & how authorities are reacting
The blast near the Red Fort is significant for several reasons. The Red Fort is a symbol of Indian state power (site of the Prime Minister’s annual Independence Day address) and is located in a dense, historic market area. A successful attack there would have high symbolic and psychological impact.
India’s federal counter‑terror agency, National Investigation Agency (NIA), has taken over the investigation; the case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Explosive Substances Act. The government has said those responsible “will not be spared”. Security has been heightened across Delhi and major entry‑points, with the metro, airports and key installations placed on alert.
Key take‑aways
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While investigations are still ongoing, there is strong evidence that this was not a random accident but a terrorist act, involving a pre‑planned network of professionals and operatives.
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The use of large caches of explosives and connections across states show a high level of sophistication.
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The attack may have been triggered prematurely due to pressure from law enforcement, rather than executed exactly as planned.
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Responsibility appears to involve domestic actors (Indian doctors, students, residents of J&K, Haryana) and international handlers (Turkey, Afghanistan) affiliated with groups like JeM.
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The symbolic target (Red Fort area) underlines the intent to send a message, to sow fear and challenge security in India’s capital.
What remains uncertain
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Definitive claim of responsibility: Nobody has publicly owned up to the attack yet.
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Full chain of command: Who exactly ordered, planned and financed the operation remains under investigation.
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Exact intended target: Some sources suggest the car may have been heading deeper into Delhi; the precise intended location remains unclear.
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Whether this was a suicide mission (car‑borne suicide bomber) or a timed/remote detonation gone wrong is still being analysed.