Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited Lok Nayak Hospital in Delhi to meet the victims of the Red Fort blast, minutes after returning from his two-day Bhutan visit. Security was tightened around the hospital, where all the victims are admitted, to ensure a smooth and secure visit by the Prime Minister.
The Red Fort blast took place on Monday evening when a slow-moving white Hyundai i20 exploded near the historic monument around 6:50 p.m. The impact gutted several vehicles, killing nine people and injuring at least 20 others during the evening rush hour. The explosion has since raised major concerns over Delhi’s security preparedness ahead of the festive season.
Jaish-e-Mohammed-linked module under scanner
Hours before the Red Fort blast, security agencies had arrested eight people, including three doctors, and seized 2,900 kg of explosives as part of a larger investigation. According to sources, the accused were part of a “white-collar” terror module allegedly linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.
Among those arrested were Dr. Muzammil Ganaie and Dr. Shaheen Sayeed from Al Falah University in Faridabad, from where 360 kg of ammonium nitrate was recovered. Another key figure, Dr. Umar Nabi, who was driving the car that exploded near the Red Fort, is believed to have died in the blast. Officials suspect that Nabi and Ganaie had conducted reconnaissance of the area days earlier.
Explosives packed inside Hyundai i20
Investigators revealed that an unspecified amount of ANFO — a powerful explosive made from ammonium nitrate and fuel oil — was used in the Red Fort blast. The detonator was likely triggered manually, suggesting a possible suicide mission. Some samples collected from the site indicate the use of high-grade explosives, even more powerful than standard ammonium nitrate.
FAQs
Q1: How many people died in the Red Fort blast?
A: So far, nine people have lost their lives in the Red Fort blast, and over 20 others were injured.
Q2: What caused the Red Fort blast?
A: The Red Fort blast was triggered by an explosive-packed Hyundai i20 car using ANFO, a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil.
Q3: Who are the suspects in the Red Fort blast case?
A: Police have arrested eight people, including three doctors allegedly linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror module.
Q4: Did PM Modi visit the blast victims?
A: Yes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lok Nayak Hospital to meet the victims of the Red Fort blast on Wednesday.
