Key accused travelled to Turkiye, planned multiple terror strike

Investigators probing Monday's car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort that killed at least 12 people and injured 30 have uncovered a complex "white-collar" terror network involving several doctors, two of whom had travelled to Turkiye and were allegedly radicalised there.

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Officials say the group had planned multiple attacks in the capital, including one around Republic Day, and had earlier considered striking on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6. They had conducted multiple reconnaissances of the area around the monument.

According to Delhi Police and central agencies, the module-centred in Faridabad and linked to banned outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ulHind-had stockpiled nearly 3,000 kilograms of explosive chemicals across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The car that exploded near the Red Fort was being driven by Dr Umar Nabi, a 28-year-old physician from Pulwama, who is believed to have been killed in the blast.

Officials say Nabi was driving a Hyundai i20 loaded with explosives when it detonated near Gate 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station at around 6:52 pm on Monday. The powerful blast tore through the evening traffic, setting nearby vehicles ablaze and sending debris flying. CCTV footage showed a sudden flash of light before chaos erupted as people ran for cover.

Initial forensic analysis from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) suggests that the device contained ammonium nitrate mixed with a petroleum-based fuel oil, a combination commonly used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs). However, laboratory scientists also found traces of a stronger, as yet unidentified explosive compound, indicating a modified or unconventional formulation. Over 40 items, including live rounds and cartridge cases, were recovered from the scene.

A senior forensic expert said, "One of the samples chemically resembles ammonium nitrate, but another sample points to a highergrade explosive material. Further tests are underway to confirm its composition."