Red Fort Blast: Nationwide Anti-Terror Raids Trigger New Probe

In a major development, authorities are aggressively moving in after the recent explosion near Delhi’s iconic monument. According to reports from NDTV, raids by the national anti-terror agency have begun in multiple states as part of the investigation.

Blast at the Red Fort shakes national security nerves

The blast near the historic Red Fort in Delhi has set off alarms across security and intelligence agencies. The incident, which claimed 13 lives and injured many, has prompted an immediate response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other law-enforcement bodies. The location being a high-profile heritage and tourist spot underscores the seriousness of the breach. Initial investigations suggest the explosive device used was highly unstable and could trigger without a standard detonator.

Vehicle rented and used in operation under scrutiny

The white Hyundai i20 used in the blast has emerged as a key piece of evidence. Authorities found it parked at a campus of Al-Falah University in Faridabad in the days leading up to the explosion. Investigators are poring over CCTV footage and rent records to trace the trail of the driver and his associates. The fact that the vehicle entered the university campus on October 29 and exited October 30 adds a critical layer to the timeline.

Raids launched across six states as probe widens

In response to the intelligence linking multiple locations, the NIA has carried out raids in six states including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh. These coordinated efforts signal that the threat may be part of a larger network rather than an isolated incident. Local officials are working alongside central agencies to comb through campuses, rented properties and financial flows associated with the suspects.

Suspects include doctors affiliated with university campus

A surprising twist has been the involvement of medical professionals. Three doctors linked to Al-Falah University — including one who allegedly drove the car into the blast site — have been arrested. The campus is now under scrutiny for potential links to radicalisation or financing. Former J&K police chief S.P. Vaid has described the institution as appearing like a “hub of terrorism” in the wake of the arrests.

Explosive used “Mother of Satan” under forensic focus

Investigators believe the explosive may have been Triacetone triperoxide (TATP), infamously known as the “Mother of Satan” for its violent instability. The compound can detonate without a conventional detonator, triggered by heat or friction — raising the gravity of how the blast was executed. Forensic labs are now analysing samples recovered from the site to confirm this possibility and to assess whether this is a signature technique of a terror module.

Financial trail points to large-scale funding networks

Sources indicate that the suspect driver received around ₹20 lakh through illegal financial channels ahead of the incident. This money trail now forms a critical part of the investigation, as agencies look into whether external funding and money-laundering networks were involved. With multiple jurisdictions now in play, tracing cross-state money flow becomes complex and essential for unravelling the full picture.

Housing and stay records deepen the timeline

Investigators found that the suspect stayed for around ten days in a rented room in the Nuh district of Haryana before the blast. CCTV footage shows the i20 entering Hidayat Colony at about 1 am on the day of the attack, further narrowing down the vehicle’s movements. Neighbours were reportedly unaware of any suspicious activity, indicating how quietly the suspect may have operated.

Recovery of live cartridges raises additional concerns

At the blast site, authorities recovered three 9 mm cartridges — two live rounds and one shell. Although no firearm discharge is confirmed as part of the explosion, the presence of these items adds another dimension: was this attack accompanied by small-arms fire, or were they a diversion? The recovery is now under forensic testing, alongside the explosive residues.

Metro station gates reopen after security lockdown

Following the blast, the Red Fort Metro Station was shut down temporarily for investigation and safety checks. All gates were reopened recently, signalling a return to normalcy for commuters. However, the station remains under heightened security alert, with additional surveillance and checks in place to deter any further threat from similar devices.

International reaction signals global concern

The attack at a national-heritage site has drawn global attention. The German Ambassador to India described the event as shocking and said his embassy was monitoring developments closely. Countries often flag such incidents for potential cross-border terror involvement, and Indian agencies appear alert to any foreign linkages. Analysts say this may increase diplomatic and intelligence cooperation ahead.

University accreditation and oversight under question

In light of the arrests at Al-Falah University, questions are being raised about its regulatory oversight. The institution reportedly lacked proper accreditation and is under investigation for potential foreign funding and fraud. Former DGP S.P. Vaid has said that such unregulated campuses could serve as weak spots for extremist activity. The government has directed agencies to probe the university’s accounts.

What happens next? Multi-agency probe and public safety

The immediate focus is on securing the broader network behind the attack. With raids across six states, intelligence, police and forensic agencies are coordinating to map every link. The public is advised to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and support the security effort. The incident also raises questions about campus security, vehicle rentals, and how explosives get transported near sensitive areas. As investigations unfold, timely updates will be crucial.

For further reading, visit our post on Delhi Blast Updates on our blog.

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