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New Delhi, November 11, 2025 (PMI) The death toll in the devastating car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station rose to 12 on Tuesday after three more victims succumbed to their injuries overnight. The blast, which occurred during the busy evening rush hour on Monday, left 20 others injured and caused multiple vehicles to catch fire, sending shockwaves across the national capital.
Supreme Court Pays Tribute to Victims
In a rare gesture, the Supreme Court of India observed a moment of silence to mourn the victims. Chief Justice B. R. Gavai expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and said the apex court “stands firmly with the citizens of the country in this hour of grief.”
“The rule of law must always prevail against those who seek to spread terror,” the Chief Justice added.
National Capital on High Alert
Following the explosion, Delhi Police declared a citywide high alert, intensifying security checks at key locations including Indira Gandhi International Airport, railway stations, and inter-state bus terminals. Barricades have been placed at major junctions, and additional police units have been deployed in markets, metro stations, and tourist areas.
The National Security Guard (NSG) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are also assisting in the probe.
Explosion Confirmed as Terror Attack
According to investigators, the blast originated from a Hyundai i20 that had halted at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station. Within seconds, the car erupted into a massive fireball, causing a chain of explosions that damaged nearby vehicles.
Delhi Police have filed an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, terming the incident a terror-related explosion.
“Evidence strongly suggests the use of an improvised explosive device (IED),” a senior police official said. “We are treating this as a planned act of terrorism.”
Prime Suspect Identified as Doctor
CCTV footage recovered from the area led investigators to identify Dr. Mohammad Umar, a faculty member at Al Falah Medical College in Faridabad, as the main suspect. The footage shows Umar moments before the explosion at 6:52 p.m., sitting inside the car and making a phone call.
Police sources said Umar is an alleged member of the Faridabad terror module and is believed to have links with ISIS-inspired networks operating in northern India.
Links to Anantnag Doctor’s Arrest
Umar is said to be a close associate of Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, a former senior resident at Government Medical College, Anantnag, who was arrested last week during a counter-terrorism operation. Investigators revealed that Monday’s explosion may have been triggered after the group panicked over Rather’s arrest.
“Interrogation of Adeel Rather had already exposed their network,” a senior NIA source said. “The Red Fort attack was likely a desperate attempt to divert attention.”
Family Detained for Questioning
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have detained Umar’s mother, Shaheema Bano, and his brothers, Aashiq and Zahroor, from their residence for questioning. “We are shocked and in disbelief,” Umar’s sister-in-law told India Today, claiming the family was unaware of his alleged extremist links.
Raids Across Delhi and Haryana
Teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell, ATS Haryana, and NIA conducted joint raids in Faridabad, Gurugram, and Delhi NCR, seizing electronic devices, chemical residues, and documents. A search operation is also underway in parts of Jammu and Kashmir to trace Umar’s suspected associates.
Explosive Material Identified
Forensic experts have indicated that the bomb was made using Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) — a common industrial explosive mixture that can be easily modified for high-impact blasts.
The explosion’s timing during the evening tourist rush has raised concerns that the attackers deliberately targeted a high-footfall zone to maximize casualties.
Nation in Shock
As Delhi mourns yet another act of terror, tributes continue to pour in for the victims. Several political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and Arvind Kejriwal, Shia Muslim Forum’ condemned the attack and urged citizens to remain vigilant.
Security has been tightened nationwide, with particular focus on major monuments, metro networks, and public gatherings in the coming days. (pressmediaofindia.com)
