A chilling sequence of events on Monday thrust India’s capital into the spotlight of a terror attack: just after investigators uncovered more than 2,900 kilograms of explosives and arrested doctors tied
to a radicalised network, the heart of New Delhi was rocked by a deadly explosion when a Hyundai i20 car exploded at a red light outside the iconic Red Fort Metro station, killing at least eight people and injuring dozens. Police tracing the vehicle’s trail have revealed a maze of ownership transfers—from Gurugram to Faridabad to a buyer in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir—raising deep concerns about orchestrated terror planning. CNN-News18 has learnt that only one person was seen driving the car while exiting the toll and reaching the red light when the blast took place, raising suspicion of a Fidayeen attack. Police sources also said the car did not move for more than three hours in parking. Authorities are now digging into links that span multiple states, multiple suspects and a possible terror network that sought the capital as its target.
Here are the latest updates on the Delhi car blast:
• Massive Search Ops By Faridabad Police: Around 800 police personnel from Faridabad Police have been conducting an extensive combing and search operation since early morning on November 11 following the recovery of explosive and inflammable materials under Dhauj police station limits, according to a police spokesperson.
• Crucial Govt Meet: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level security review meeting at his residence at 11am. Union Home Secretary, Director IB, Delhi Police Commissioner and DG NIA will attend the meeting, while DGP Jammu and Kashmir will join virtually.
• Fidayeen Attack Suspected: Police sources have pointed to a Fidayeen-style suicide attack, noting that only one person was seen driving the car while exiting the toll. Sources also said the car did not move for more than three hours while it was in the parking.
• CCTV Captures Suspected Suicide Bomber: Investigators have confirmed a blast link to the Faridabad-based doctor, Dr Umar U Nabi (believed to be from Pulwama), sources have told CNN-News18. According to sources, a severed hand, suspected to belong to the car’s driver, was recovered from the scene and is believed to be that of Dr Umar. DNA samples of his family in Kashmir are being collected to establish his identity beyond doubt.
• Ammonium Nitrate, Fuel Oil Used: Probe so far has suggested the use of ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and explosive detonators though officials have said the final report is still awaited from the forensic laboratory.
• Car Changed Several Owners: A Hyundai i20 that had changed hands four times without formal transfer records is under the scanner after it was spotted moving suspiciously through several crowded areas in North Delhi. The car, bearing registration number HR26CE7674, was also spotted in Faridabad, Haryana, on September 20. A pending challan for wrongful parking remains against the vehicle.
• Pakistan On Alert: Pakistan has issued a Red Alert for all of its airbases and airfields, following intelligence warnings that suggest heightened risks of retaliatory actions or further cross-border escalation from India, CNN-News18 has learnt. In addition to activating air defence systems, the Pakistan Air Force has been ordered to ensure that jets from forward bases are ready for immediate takeoff.
• Metro Update: The Red Fort Station of the Delhi Metro will be closed for commuters on Tuesday. The Red Fort station is part of the Delhi Metro’s Violet Line, which operates between Kashmere Gate and Ballabhgarh, covering 35 stations, and is a key route for commuters travelling through Old Delhi. The Delhi Traffic Police also issued an advisory regarding restrictions, and diversions have been put in place in both the carriageways and service roads — Netaji Subhash Marg from Chatta Rail Cut to Subhash Marg Cut.
• Sheikh Hasina Condemns Blast: Awami League President and former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina condemned the terror attack and said terrorist groups, rooted in Pakistan, have infiltrated networks across countries, including Bangladesh, and are carrying out attacks in India to undermine regional peace and stability.
