Article image

The Red Fort Shadow

Monday, 10 November 2025 15:42

Summary

A powerful car explosion near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on the evening of Monday, November 10, 2025, killed at least eight people and injured a dozen others, immediately plunging the Indian capital into a state of high alert. The blast, which occurred in a slow-moving Maruti Suzuki Eeco near the Red Fort Metro Station, is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency and the National Security Guard, with forensic evidence increasingly pointing toward a high-intensity improvised explosive device (IED) rather than an accident. The incident’s gravity is amplified by its timing, coming just hours after a massive cache of nearly 3,000 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate and arms was recovered from a Kashmiri academic’s residence in the nearby city of Faridabad. Authorities are probing a direct link between the two events, suggesting a potential, sophisticated terror plot targeting a major national symbol and signalling a worrying resurgence of 'white-collar' terrorism in the National Capital Region.

The Blast at Lal Qila’s Gate

The explosion ripped through the congested area near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Old Delhi at approximately 6:55 PM on Monday, November 10, 20251,2,3. The blast originated from a slow-moving Maruti Suzuki Eeco car that had stopped at a red light, according to the Delhi Police Commissioner4,5. The detonation was described by witnesses as deafening, causing the ground to shake and shattering windows in nearby buildings up to 900 metres away6,7. At least eight people were killed instantly, and initial reports indicated that a dozen others sustained injuries, with victims rushed to hospitals including Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP)2,8,9. The force of the explosion immediately triggered a massive fire that engulfed the Eeco and spread rapidly to multiple nearby vehicles, including at least six cars, four motorcycles, and three e-rickshaws7,10. Seven fire tenders were dispatched to the scene, and the blaze was eventually brought under control by 7:36 PM7,10. The area, a bustling hub of commerce and transport opposite the Chandni Chowk market, was immediately cordoned off, and the Red Fort Metro Station temporarily restricted entry and exit7,11. The sheer scale of the damage and the rapid response from India’s premier anti-terror agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG), signalled that authorities were treating the incident as a high-priority security threat5,7,12.

A Target of National Significance

The Red Fort, or Lal Qila, is not merely a tourist attraction but a profound symbol of Indian sovereignty and history13,14. Commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, the fort served as the main residence for Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years13,15. Its historical importance was cemented in the modern era when, on August 15, 1947, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, hoisted the national flag above its Lahori Gate13,14. Since then, the Prime Minister of India has delivered the annual Independence Day address to the nation from the fort’s ramparts, making it a perennial target for groups seeking to undermine the Indian state13,14. The site was previously attacked on December 22, 2000, when two militants from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) opened fire, killing two soldiers and a civilian16,17. That attack, which occurred during a period of attempted peace talks between India and Pakistan, demonstrated the symbolic value of the fort as a target16. The location of the 2025 explosion, near the metro station gate in a densely populated, high-traffic zone, suggests a deliberate attempt to maximise both casualties and psychological impact7,18. The immediate deployment of the NIA and NSG, and the subsequent high alert issued across major cities including Mumbai and in the neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, underscored the government’s assessment of the threat12,19.

The Forensic Evidence and the Terror Link

Initial speculation from local police sources suggested the explosion might have been caused by a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cylinder, as the Maruti Suzuki Eeco was a CNG-equipped vehicle7,20. However, this theory was quickly challenged by the scale of the blast and the subsequent involvement of anti-terror specialists12,21. Forensic experts and intelligence officials indicated that the damage was far greater than what a typical low-order CNG cylinder explosion would cause12. Reports from the site confirmed that forensic teams recovered metal debris, wires, and explosive residue, which strongly suggested the use of a high-order improvised explosive device (IED)5,12. The Delhi Police Special Cell immediately launched a massive manhunt and detained at least one suspect from North Delhi for questioning, believing the individual may have links to the exploded vehicle5. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were briefed on the situation, highlighting the national security implications of the event5,22.

The Faridabad Connection and the White-Collar Cell

The most alarming development in the investigation was the potential link between the Red Fort explosion and a massive terror plot uncovered just hours earlier in the National Capital Region (NCR)23,24. On the same day, police in Faridabad, Haryana, arrested a Kashmiri doctor, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, and recovered an unprecedented cache of explosive materials and weaponry from two of his rented houses24,25. The initial recovery included approximately 360 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with a carbine rifle, two automatic pistols, 84 live cartridges, and 20 battery-fitted timers24,26. Subsequent searches at a second property linked to Dr. Shakeel, who was a teacher at a local university, yielded an additional 2,563 kilograms of suspected explosives, bringing the total haul to nearly 3,000 kilograms25. Dr. Shakeel, a resident of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, was reportedly wanted in a case related to the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Srinagar24,26. Security agencies are investigating the possibility that Dr. Shakeel was part of a sophisticated 'white-collar' terror ecosystem, using his professional status as a cover for a trans-regional conspiracy25,27. While officials did not immediately confirm a direct operational link between the Faridabad explosives and the Red Fort blast, the simultaneous nature of the events and the high-intensity nature of the explosion led investigators to treat the two as potentially connected components of a larger, coordinated plot23,24.

Conclusion

The deadly explosion near the Red Fort represents a significant escalation in the security challenges facing India’s capital, moving beyond isolated incidents to suggest a potential, coordinated terror network operating within the National Capital Region18,27. The immediate involvement of the NIA and NSG, coupled with the recovery of nearly three tonnes of explosives and the arrest of a suspected JeM-linked academic in a neighbouring city, paints a picture of a sophisticated, high-impact threat24,25. The investigation is now focused on determining the precise nature of the explosive used in the car and establishing the operational connection between the Red Fort blast and the Faridabad cell5,12. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the enduring vulnerability of India’s most symbolic landmarks and the evolving tactics of militant groups who are increasingly leveraging educated professionals to execute complex, urban attacks25,27. The coming days of the investigation will be critical in determining the full scope of the conspiracy and whether the security apparatus can dismantle the network before any further attacks are attempted19,23.

References

  1. Eight Killed, Several Injured in Car Explosion Near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station

    Used for the date, time, location (Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station), and initial casualty count (at least eight dead, several injured).

  2. Red Fort blast LIVE: 8 dead; car stopped at red light, exploded moments later, cops say

    Used for the confirmed death toll of eight, the number of injured (12), the location (Gate 1 of Lal Qila metro station), and the time of the call (around 7 pm).

  3. Car explodes near historic Red Fort in India's capital New Delhi, killing at least 8 people

    Used to confirm the location (near the historic Red Fort) and the initial police statement on casualties.

  4. Slow-moving car stopped at red light, then an explosion: Police on Red Fort blast

    Used for the specific detail that the car was a Maruti Suzuki Eeco and was moving slowly towards a red light when it exploded, as stated by Delhi Police chief Satish Golcha.

  5. Delhi Red Fort blast: 1 suspect in custody on probe pointing to possible terror link, says report

    Used to confirm the detention of one suspect, the involvement of the NIA and FSL, the IED possibility based on recovered residue, and the briefing of the Prime Minister and Home Minister.

  6. 8 killed, many injured in blast outside Red Fort | Delhi News - The Indian Express

    Used for the specific detail of the blast shaking buildings 700 to 900 metres away and the damage to six cars, four motorcycles, and three e-rickshaws.

  7. Delhi Red Fort blast: Police Commissioner Satish Golcha gives first official account of what exactly happened

    Used for the exact time (6:52 PM), the police commissioner's statement, the initial CNG speculation, and the forensic experts' counter-assessment pointing to a high-intensity detonation/IED.

  8. At least 10 dead, many injured after explosion in car near Delhi's Red Fort; city on high alert

    Used for the casualty count (10 dead, 30 victims to LNJP Hospital) and the high alert in the city.

  9. Car explodes near New Delhi's Red Fort, killing at least 8 people, police say

    Used to confirm the death toll of at least eight people.

  10. Red Fort blast LIVE: 8 dead; car stopped at red light, exploded moments later, cops say

    Used for the detail of seven fire tenders being rushed and the fire being doused by 7:36 PM.

  11. Eight dead in explosion near Red Fort in India's New Delhi

    Used to confirm the Red Fort Metro Station entry/exit restriction.

  12. Delhi Red Fort Car Blast Linked to Terror Attack: Report

    Used for the expert opinion that the blast damage exceeds a typical CNG explosion, pointing to a high-order IED, and the involvement of the NIA and NSG.

  13. Red Fort - Wikipedia

    Used for the historical context: UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by Shah Jahan, served as the main residence of Mughal emperors, and the site of the 2000 terrorist attack.

  14. Red Fort: Historic Monument of India and All You Need to Know - Study IQ

    Used to confirm the Red Fort's status as a symbol of India's post-independence sovereignty, where the Prime Minister raises the flag on Independence Day.

  15. Red Fort in Delhi - A Historic Monument of India

    Used to confirm the Red Fort served as the residence of Mughal emperors for almost 200 years.

  16. 2000 Red Fort attack - Wikipedia

    Used for details of the 2000 attack: date (December 22, 2000), perpetrators (Lashkar-e-Taiba), and casualties (two soldiers and one civilian).

  17. Terrorist attack inside Delhi's Red Fort | CBC News

    Used to confirm the 2000 attack was claimed by a Pakistan-based Kashmiri group (LeT) and its timing relative to India-Pakistan peace talks.

  18. 8 people dead in explosion near Red Fort in New Delhi | CBC News

    Used to describe the Red Fort area as a densely populated district.

  19. Delhi: 8 killed, dozen injured in car explosion near Red Fort; high alert in Maha, UP

    Used to confirm the high alert issued across major cities and neighbouring states like Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana.

  20. Eight Killed, Several Injured in Car Explosion Near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station

    Used to confirm the initial suspicion of a CNG cylinder blast.

  21. Delhi Red Fort Car Blast Linked to Terror Attack: Report

    Used to confirm the forensic analysis of metal fragments, wiring, and residue pointing towards an IED.

  22. Delhi Red Fort blast: 8 dead, many injured after car explodes near metro, high alert issued

    Used to confirm that Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation and spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah.

  23. Delhi Blast News Live Updates: Investigation underway; motive behind attack to be known once probe agencies have a clearer picture, say police - The Economic Times

    Used to establish the timing of the Red Fort blast (hours after the recovery) and the initial link being probed by investigators to the Faridabad explosives recovery.

  24. Security Beefed Across Delhi, Border Areas - Deccan Chronicle

    Used for the details of the Faridabad arrest: Kashmiri doctor Dr. Muzammil, recovery of 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, arms, and timers, and his link to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

  25. 2,900 kg Explosives Found At 2 Houses Of J&K Doctor In Faridabad - NDTV

    Used for the updated total explosive haul (2,900 kg from two houses), the suspect's name (Dr. Mujammil Shakeel), his profession (doctor/teacher), and the 'white-collar' terrorist ecosystem angle.

  26. Kashmiri doctor arrested in Faridabad in joint operation of police, over 360 kg of explosives and weapons recovered - Mid-day

    Used to confirm the specific items recovered in the initial haul: carbine rifle, two automatic pistols, 84 live cartridges, five litres of chemical substances, 20 battery-fitted timers, and 14 bags of explosives.

  27. J&K Police recover 360-kg of explosives from hospital on Delhi outskirts - Deccan Herald

    Used to confirm Dr. Muzammil Shakeel's residence in Pulwama and the suspicion of links to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ghazwat-ul-Hind, and the 'trans-regional terror conspiracy' description.