Introduction
- The Central government has formally turned the case over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) a day after the horrific Red Fort explosion rocked the nation’s capital. The conclusion highlights India’s commitment to get to the bottom of what seems to be one of the most complicated terrorist-related incidents in recent memory.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the country from Bhutan during his official visit, reassuring the public that “the conspirators will not be spared” and that the authorities will “get to the bottom of this conspiracy.” In the meantime, Union Home Minister Amit Shah called a high-level security meeting early Tuesday to evaluate the situation and monitor the progress of the investigation.
NIA Participation and the Government’s Prompt Response
- he Home Ministry made its decision after a thorough security review meeting held at Amit Shah’s home and presided over by him. Key officials present included the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the Delhi Police Commissioner, and the NIA Director General. The conference was also attended online by the DGP of Jammu and Kashmir.
- All the CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and files gathered to date have been seized by the NIA, according to government records. In order to map the terrorist network thought to be behind the bombing, the agency will now collaborate with Delhi Police, J&K Police, and national intelligence services.
- During the meeting, Shah made it clear that all potential angles, such as cross-border connections, local logistical support, and the application of sophisticated explosive materials, must be thoroughly examined.
The Red Fort Explosion’s timeline
- According to preliminary investigations, the Hyundai i20 vehicle, which caused the explosion, was initially seen outside Asian Hospital in Faridabad at about 7:30 a.m. on Monday. At about 8:13 a.m., the car eventually entered Delhi from the Faridabad road through the Badarpur toll booth.
- A few hours later, the automobile detonated close to the Red Fort, killing at least 13 people and injuring several others. The explosion took place in a heavily protected location, causing widespread terror and an immediate lockdown of the nearby areas.
Terror Ties and Explosives
- The vehicle has been identified by authorities as belonging to 34-year-old Umar Nabi, a doctor from Pulwama who is thought to have been a member of a terrorist cell with connections to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwatul Hind (AGH).
- For their suspected participation in the same module, police had previously detained two more doctors earlier in the week: Dr. Adeel Majeed Rather from Qazigund and Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganai from Faridabad. 358 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate explosives were found in a leased property in Faridabad’s Dhauj hamlet as a result of the arrests.
- According to police officials, Umar Nabi could have been the person seen in CCTV footage driving the car loaded with explosives. DNA testing is now being used by investigators to verify his identity.
The DNA data may be essential.
- Notably, forensic teams in Pulwama have obtained DNA samples from Umar Nabi’s mother. The sample will be compared to unclaimed remains at Lok Nayak Hospital in Delhi and remains found at the explosion site.
- The suspected bomber’s fate—whether he perished in the blast or is still at large—can be determined by matching the DNA. This is described by authorities as a “crucial breakthrough” that may either corroborate the death of a significant suspect or provide additional avenues for investigation.
- The National Security Guard (NSG) and forensic specialists are also helping to examine explosive leftovers and pieces found in the car.
From Bhutan, Prime Minister Modi responded.
- The tragedy brought great sorrow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is now in Bhutan for a two-day trip. He spoke to a crowd in Thimphu and stated,
“I was determined to come here, but I’m here with a heavy heart. Everyone has been affected by the terrible events in Delhi. The entire nation is united in support of the victims’ families. Our agencies will find out the entire plot behind this assault.”
- Modi made his statement while attending the 70th birthday party for Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. In spite of the terrible events in India, the Prime Minister emphasized the close cooperation and shared prosperity that define the country’s relationship with Bhutan.
Expanding Investigation to More States
- The NIA, with the assistance of the Delhi Police and J&K Police, has now extended the investigation to several states. The registered owner of the Hyundai i20 vehicle used in the explosion, Amir Rashid, is one of the at least five people from Pulwama who have been arrested for questioning.
- Additionally, Rashid’s brother and three other guys from the area have been interrogated. The detained doctors may be connected to foreign handlers suspected of using encrypted online communication routes, according to authorities.
- After the posting of Jaish-e-Mohammad posters in Srinagar, sources say that this module—which purportedly included four doctors, one of whom was a woman from Lucknow—had been kept under observation.
Public Response and Safety Procedures
- Following the explosion, security measures have been increased in Faridabad, Jammu, Kashmir Valley, and Delhi. More than 800 police officers have been stationed in Faridabad alone to aid in search activities and identify any remaining explosives.
- The explosion has heightened worries about radicalization among educated professionals, especially medical students and doctors, who seem to have been targeted by terrorist organizations for recruitment.
Despite the crisis, relations between India and Bhutan are still maintained.
- In spite of the ongoing crisis, Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Bhutan is seen as a reinforcement of India’s diplomatic stability and dedication to its neighbors. He jointly opened the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project during his visit, which represents decades of cooperation between India and Bhutan. He also met with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk.
- According to Modi,
“Our relationship with Bhutan is a cornerstone of India’s Neighborhood First Policy and serves as an example of positive relations between neighboring nations.”
Conclusion
- As the NIA intensifies its probe, India stands united in its demand for justice. The Red Fort blast, which claimed innocent lives and shook the capital, has revealed the deep and dangerous network of transnational terror operations.
- With advanced forensic analysis, cross-border cooperation, and determined leadership from the top, investigators are confident of unmasking those responsible.
- The coming weeks will be crucial as DNA tests, digital evidence, and interrogation reports converge to reveal the full picture behind the Red Fort blast, a stark reminder that India’s fight against terror requires vigilance, coordination, and an unyielding commitment to justice.
