High-Grade Explosives Found in Delhi Red Fort Blast: More Powerful Than Ammonium Nitrate

Over 40 samples have been collected by the Forensic Science Laboratory team from the blast site near the Red Fort in Delhi.

New Delhi:

According to an official from the Forensic Science Laboratory, the blast that occurred near the Red Fort in Delhi involved not only ammonium nitrate but also high-grade explosives. One explosive sample recovered from the site is believed to be significantly more powerful than ammonium nitrate.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has gathered over 40 samples from the blast location, including two cartridges, live ammunition, and various explosives.

Preliminary analysis indicates that one of the explosive samples appears to be ammonium nitrate. However, officials stated that the second explosive sample is potentially more powerful, with its exact composition pending confirmation through detailed forensic examination.

Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is an odorless white crystalline chemical commonly used as fertilizer. It also functions as a potent oxidizer which, under specific conditions, can cause explosions resulting in intense, sustained fires.

On its own, ammonium nitrate is not classified as an explosive. It requires mixing with a secondary substance and an external detonation providing substantial heat to explode. In this particular incident, investigators believe fuel oil, a petroleum-based product, was utilized as the secondary substance.

The powerful explosion in Old Delhi occurred around 6:52 pm on Monday when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car exploded at a traffic stop near the Red Fort Metro Station gate number 1. The blast claimed nine lives and left approximately two dozen people injured. Ground footage revealed damaged vehicles and severely injured victims.

Experts from the forensic department of Maulana Azad Medical College observed cross-injury patterns on some victims' bodies. These patterns indicate that individuals collided with walls or the ground due to the blast impact, resulting in broken bones and head injuries.

The forensic report indicated that some victims exhibited damage to their lungs, ears, and abdomens, suggesting that the explosion occurred at very close range.

Notably, no fragments of conventional explosives were found on the bodies or clothing of the victims. Preliminary investigations suggest that a new or modified explosive material may have been employed in the blast.

According to top intelligence sources who spoke to NDTV on Tuesday, initial assessment of the blast site reveals that the suspect likely assembled the improvised explosive device (IED) improperly, which limited its potential impact.

The Jammu and Kashmir police, working with Haryana police, dismantled a "white-collar" terror module on Monday, arresting Dr. Muzammil Shakeel and Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, who are close associates of the suspect Dr. Umar Mohammad. Authorities seized 2,900 kg of explosives and weapons including assault rifles and pistols. Sources indicate that these arrests may have prompted Dr. Umar Mohammad to execute the blast.