The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the investigation into the devastating car blast that occurred near the Red Fort in Delhi.
The terrorist attack, which involved detonating a car near the Red Fort in the national capital yesterday, November 10th, has tragically claimed the lives of 14 people, with over 20 others hospitalised with serious injuries.
The timing of this incident is particularly alarming as it happened on the same day that a massive 2,900 kilograms of explosives were recovered in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. Immediately following the blast, teams from the Delhi Police, NSG, and NIA officials rushed to the scene to conduct an inspection.
Following the Ministry of Home Affairs' directive, NIA officials have taken charge of the case and commenced their investigation at the site.
Focus on Terror Angle and Key Suspects
While authorities have yet to officially confirm if the incident was an accident or an act of terrorism, the possibility of a terror attack is highly suspected, especially since such extensive damage from a small car explosion is considered highly improbable.
Criminal investigation circles suggest that the driver of the exploded Hyundai i20 car, identified as Mohammed Umar, a practising doctor, and his associates carried out the blast using Ammonium Nitrate and fuel oil. The Delhi Police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosive Substances Act, and various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Security agencies currently suspect the incident to be a suicide attack. The police have arrested the car's registered owner, Nadeem Khan from Haryana, and its former owner, Mohammed Salman from Gurugram. Further investigation has revealed potential links to a terrorist organisation operating out of Faridabad.
The police also arrested another individual, Tariq, from Pulwama, who was reportedly involved in purchasing the car. Information is now circulating that as many as five doctors may have been involved in the bomb plot.
The discovery of 2,900 kilograms of explosives by a doctor in Kashmir shortly before the blast has strengthened suspicions of a link between the two incidents.