In a shocking act of violence that gripped India’s capital, a powerful explosion from a Hyundai i20 car ripped through the bustling area near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort on Monday evening, claiming nine lives and leaving nearly two dozen others wounded. The blast, which occurred at approximately 6:52 p.m., sent shockwaves across the historic site, scattering debris and igniting panic among evening crowds. Eyewitnesses described a deafening roar followed by billowing smoke, as emergency responders rushed to the scene to tend to the victims, many of whom suffered severe burns and shrapnel injuries.
At the center of the investigation stands Dr. Umar Mohammad, a Pulwama native and qualified physician, who authorities have identified through DNA evidence as the driver of the explosive-laden vehicle. Far from a routine medical professional, Mohammad’s profile has revealed deep ties to international terrorism networks. Sources indicate he maintained regular communication with a handler known only as “Ukasa,” operating from Turkey, using the encrypted Session app to evade detection. This covert channel, investigators believe, facilitated coordination for the attack.
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The trail of radicalization traces back to March 2022, when Mohammad and several associates journeyed from India to Ankara, the Turkish capital. There, according to sources, they encountered a representative of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed militant group, who subjected them to intense indoctrination sessions. This episode is suspected to have played a pivotal role in transforming Mohammad and his co-conspirators—some of whom were later detained in connection with a Faridabad terror cell—into committed operatives. Further scrutiny has uncovered that Mohammad, employed at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, had visited the Red Fort as recently as January, possibly scouting the location for the assault.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken charge of the probe, now entering its third day, with teams meticulously reconstructing the car’s procurement, modification, and route. Three fellow doctors from the same university have been detained for questioning, as authorities probe potential complicity. Initial assessments rule out a suicide mission, suggesting Mohammad remotely triggered the device. As forensics experts at AIIMS analyze additional DNA samples from his family to confirm remains, the incident underscores the persistent threat of cross-border extremism infiltrating urban centers. Officials urge vigilance while vowing swift justice for the victims’ families.