Red Fort blast 'heinous terror incident': Centre

NEW DELHI: The Union cabinet on Wednesday described Monday's car blast near Red Fort an act of "terror" in a description that signalled acknowledgement of the terrorists' plan to cause large-scale mayhem by striking multiple targets.

"The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion near Red Fort on the evening of Nov 10, 2025. The explosion resulted in multiple fatalities, and caused injuries to several others," said the resolution adopted by the Union cabinet, which met soon after PM Narendra Modi's return from Thimphu and his visit to LNJP hospital to meet the victims of the blast carried out by a module comprising radicalised doctors and clerics.




Though the case regarding the blast has been registered under the main anti-terror law, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency, which is tasked with investigating terror incidents, the govt had until now not formally declared the blast a terror attack as such. The designation of "terror incident" is significant because of the anti-terror doctrine worked out by the Modi govt in the wake of the Pahalgam attack. As per the new policy, a terror attack, as the PM had spelt out in his address to the nation, is proposed to be treated and dealt with as an act of aggression against the country.

Sources refrained from saying whether the blast on Monday fulfils the criterion and said a determination would be based on what the investigation across states might throw up. The cabinet, however, signalled its intent to use all options available to it against terror strikes. "The cabinet reaffirms the govt's steadfast resolve to safeguard the lives and well-being of all Indians, consistent with its enduring commitment to national security and the safety of every citizen," it said.

"The cabinet unequivocally condemns this dastardly and cowardly act that has led to the loss of innocent lives," it further said.

The formal designation comes in the wake of mounting evidence that the "Faridabad module", increasingly being referred to as the "white coat" cell of terrorist organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) because of the shocking alleged involvement of doctors, had multiple targets in different parts on their radar. The huge stockpile of explosives - enough to blow up a large shopping mall - and a cache of assault rifles recovered from the alleged terrorists are seen as underlining the intent to carry out "spectacular strikes" in solidarity with JeM which lost its senior leaders during Operation Sindoor. The blast was preceded by arrests of a doctor and a few others in Gujarat who were plotting to carry out a bio-terror attack by using ricin, one of the most dangerous substances known.

Officials also believe that the explosive device in the car was meant for some other target and that it got accidentally triggered near the Red Fort.

The cabinet, which observed two-minute silence, also praised "the timely and coordinated response of the authorities, security agencies and citizens who acted with courage and compassion in the face of adversity. Their dedication and sense of duty are deeply commendable".

"The cabinet directs that the investigation into the incident be pursued with the utmost urgency and professionalism so that the perpetrators, their collaborators and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay. The situation continues to be closely monitored at the highest levels of govt," said the resolution.
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