Delhi Red Fort Blast Live: MHA hands over probe to NIA; father of suspect detained in J&K's Pulwama

Delhi Red Fort Car Blast News Live: The investigation into Monday night’s car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort has gathered pace, with police arresting at least four suspects in connection with the blast. Officials said overnight searches were carried out across several hotels in the Paharganj and Daryaganj areas, during which registers were examined and four people detained for questioning.

The high-intensity explosion occurred at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station at around 6:52pm, tearing through a Hyundai i20 and setting multiple nearby vehicles ablaze. Police initially confirmed nine deaths, while three more injured victims later succumbed, taking the toll to 12. Several others remain hospitalised with serious burns and blast injuries.

Following the incident, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) handed over the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is examining the case under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The National Security Guard (NSG) has also inspected the site as part of the counter-terror response.

Investigators are probing possible terror links after preliminary findings indicated the blast may have been deliberate, a ‘Fidayeen’ (suicide bombing) attack. The father of the suspected driver has been detained for questioning in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, while his mother has been taken for a DNA test to confirm the driver’s identity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing grief over the tragedy, said, “The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice.” He added that he was in touch with agencies throughout the night to review developments.

Union home minister Amit Shah also chaired a high-level security review meeting at his residence, attended by the home secretary, the directors of the Intelligence Bureau and NIA, and the Delhi police commissioner. The director general of police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir joined the meeting virtually.
Police said the explosion took place when the car was stationary at a signal, with the impact scattering debris and body parts over nearby radius. Forensic teams are continuing to collect samples from the site as authorities maintain tight security in and around central Delhi.

With the NIA leading the investigation, officials said all angles - including the possibility of a coordinated attack - are being explored.