Military-grade explosive traces found in Delhi blast, two cartridges recovered near Red Fort
New Delhi, November 12:
The Delhi blast investigation has taken a dramatic turn. Forensic teams have reportedly found two live cartridges and traces of two different types of explosives from the blast site near Red Fort.
According to investigation sources, one of the substances appears similar to ammonium nitrate, while the second explosive is yet to be identified. Samples have been sent to the forensic laboratory for detailed chemical analysis. Initial assessments suggest that military-grade explosives such as PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate), RDX, or Semtex could have been used in the explosion — materials known for their high destructive capacity.
Experts suspect use of high-grade chemical explosives
While the forensic report is still awaited, early findings based on damage patterns and the color of the flames indicate that the blast might have involved a combination of chemical explosives and detonators.
Witnesses reported seeing orange-colored flames immediately after the explosion — a distinct indicator of ammonium nitrate combustion. This has led investigators to suspect the use of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) built with multiple explosive agents.
Over 42 samples have been collected from the blast site and sent for testing. If confirmed, the use of military-grade explosives in the Delhi explosion could point to an organized terror network.
Suspect’s car under investigation — the Hyundai i20 trail
The white Hyundai i20 used in the explosion remains central to the probe. Investigators have traced the car’s movements over the past few days. According to Delhi Police, the vehicle was purchased on October 29 from a Faridabad dealer named Sonu by Umar Mohammad, the primary suspect seen driving the car.
Between October 29 and November 10, the car was reportedly parked at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. CCTV footage shows Umar driving the vehicle out of the parking lot on the morning of November 10 — the same day the blast occurred.
Before the explosion, the car was also spotted in Connaught Place and Mayur Vihar, two of Delhi’s busiest areas. Investigators believe the movements might have been part of a reconnaissance operation, scouting potential targets across the capital.
Was it a failed suicide mission or an accidental detonation?
Intelligence sources suggest the blast was likely not a suicide attack, but rather an accidental explosion during the transport of explosives. A massive quantity of chemicals — nearly 2,900 kilograms — used in bomb-making was recovered a day before the blast during a separate operation.
Officials believe that panic among the suspects might have triggered the explosion while relocating the explosives. Investigators also discovered that the IED was imperfectly assembled, which limited the scale of the damage. If it had detonated fully, the explosion could have caused catastrophic casualties across the Red Fort area.
Forensic probe widens — possible international link
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police are jointly reviewing CCTV footage from across the capital. Investigators are analyzing the Hyundai i20’s route and tracking potential accomplices linked to Umar Mohammad.
A senior intelligence officer stated, “The Delhi blast appears to involve high-grade chemical explosives typically restricted to military use. Whether this material originated domestically or through an international terror network will become clear after forensic confirmation.”
Authorities have also recovered multiple electronic devices and communication data for digital forensics, hoping to establish the full conspiracy behind the Red Fort explosion.
