A white Hyundai i20 vehicle involved in a devastating explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort, which claimed nine lives, had been spotted earlier that day in the bustling districts of Connaught Place and Mayur Vihar, according to Delhi Police sources.
The car, bearing the registration number HR 26CE7674, arrived at the Sunehri Masjid parking lot in Chandni Chowk at 3:19 pm on November 10 and departed around 6:30 pm, shortly before the blast occurred at 6:52 pm near the Red Fort Metro Station. The incident left a trail of mangled remains and damaged vehicles in one of the capital’s crowded thoroughfares.
Investigators revealed that the vehicle was stationed on the campus of Al-Falah University from October 29 until November 10, parked adjacent to a Swift Dzire belonging to Dr Muzammil Shakeel, who was detained following the discovery of a large cache of explosives in Faridabad, Haryana. Although registered in the name of Dr Shaheen Saeed—from whose vehicle assault rifles and ammunition were seized—the i20 played a central role in the attack.
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Sources disclosed that the explosion involved not only ammonium nitrate but also sophisticated military-grade explosives. The suspected perpetrator, identified as Umar Nabi in what authorities believe may have been a suicide bombing, could have detonated the device prematurely amid mounting pressure.
This blast coincided with the seizure of 2,900 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, in Faridabad on the same day. Top intelligence sources told NDTV that the suspect likely triggered the explosion in panic after the arrests of key module members Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Rather, along with the recovery of the explosives haul.
Preliminary examinations of the site suggested the improvised explosive device (IED) was assembled hastily and incorrectly, resulting in reduced destructive power. The lack of a blast crater and any projectiles further supported the theory of an unintended detonation, possibly due to mishandling during an attempt to relocate or dispose of the materials.
While an accidental trigger remains the primary focus, officials have not excluded other scenarios. Agencies are additionally examining potential international links, as the module’s handler was reportedly operating from overseas.
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