Red Fort car blast: Vehicle linked to explosion seen in Connaught Place and Mayur Vihar before attack

New surveillance and forensic evidence have shed light on the investigation into Monday’s powerful car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort that left 12 people dead, as authorities piece together the i20 vehicle’s movements across the city before the explosion.

Officials said the car was first spotted parked near Al-Falah University in Haryana’s Dhouj on November 10 before being moved to Old Delhi. CCTV footage later placed it in Connaught Place around 2:30 pm and again in Mayur Vihar, suggesting it travelled through multiple key areas of the capital hours before the blast.

Investigators suspect the use of high-grade explosives, possibly military-grade material. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts have collected over 40 samples from the site — including two cartridges, one containing live ammunition — and identified traces of ammonium nitrate and a second, more powerful explosive.

A dedicated FSL team is analysing the material to determine the exact composition and trigger mechanism of the device. Meanwhile, in a connected probe in Faridabad, authorities recovered 360 kg of ammonium nitrate and arrested two individuals — Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Saeed — with links to Al-Falah University. Investigators believe the module’s handler may be operating from outside India.

Security remains tight across the national capital. The Delhi Police have intensified vehicle checks and patrolling at key entry points, metro stations, and public hubs. Senior officers are personally supervising security operations at interstate borders such as Ghazipur, Singhu, Tikri, and Badarpur.