Delhi Red Fort Explosion: Car Movement Tracked Before Deadly Blast Killing Nine People

The white Hyundai i20 car that exploded near Delhi's Red Fort on Monday, killing nine people, was first spotted at Connaught Place and Mayur Vihar - two major areas in the capital - hours before the suspected suicide bomber, Umar Nabi, parked the vehicle in the Sunehri Masjid parking lot in Chandni Chowk, according to Delhi Police sources.

The car, bearing license plate HR 26CE7674, entered the parking facility at 3:19 pm on November 10 and departed around 6:30 pm.

Sources indicated that the vehicle had been stationed on the Al-Falah University campus from October 29 to November 10. It was positioned adjacent to a Swift Dzire owned by Dr. Muzammil Shakeel - who was subsequently arrested in connection with a substantial explosives seizure in Haryana's Faridabad. The car's registration, however, was under Dr. Shaheen Saeed's name, from whose property assault rifles and ammunition were later recovered.

Sources further revealed that the explosion involved not only ammonium nitrate but also high-grade military explosives.

The blast occurred on Monday at 6:52 pm near the Red Fort Metro Station, leaving casualties and destroyed vehicles throughout the busy area. This incident coincided with the discovery of 2,900 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, in Faridabad. Sources suggested that the suspected suicide bomber may have become alarmed and triggered the explosion following the arrest of two key module members - Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Adil Rather - and the confiscation of explosives.

An initial assessment of the blast site also suggested that the suspects might have panicked and made errors while handling the explosives, according to top intelligence sources. The suspect apparently assembled the improvised explosive device (IED) incorrectly, resulting in limited impact.

Additional evidence pointing toward an accidental explosion included the absence of a blast crater and no projectiles at the site. Investigators believe the suspects, acting in panic, failed to properly arm the IED for maximum damage.

The sources, however, have not dismissed the possibility that the explosion occurred when the suspects attempted to relocate or dispose of the explosives.

Investigating agencies are also exploring potential foreign connections to the module, as the handler was reportedly operating from abroad.