The investigation into the Red Fort car blast that shook Delhi on Monday evening is now focusing on identifying the owner of the Hyundai i20 that exploded near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station around 6:52 PM. The blast killed 10 people and injured over 20, prompting a high alert across Delhi, NCR, and Uttar Pradesh.
Police tracing the car’s registration details
According to police sources, the car is registered in Haryana, and efforts are underway to trace its owner. Officials from the Delhi Police Crime Branch, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and National Investigation Agency (NIA) are jointly verifying the vehicle’s registration records and CCTV footage from nearby routes to determine who was driving the vehicle and when it entered the area.
An insider confirmed that the vehicle’s number plate and chassis details are being matched through the VAHAN database, and the owner’s identity is expected to be revealed soon. Authorities are also investigating whether the car was stolen, borrowed, or rented in the days leading up to the explosion.
Sequence of the incident
At approximately 6:52 PM, a slow-moving Hyundai i20 halted at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort. Within seconds, a massive explosion occurred, engulfing multiple vehicles in flames and triggering panic in the high-security zone. Seven fire tenders and police teams rushed to the site and brought the fire under control by 7:29 PM.
Videos from eyewitnesses show several cars burning, and officials have confirmed extensive damage within a radius of over 25 meters — far beyond the typical range of a CNG explosion, leading experts to believe that the blast might have involved Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or other high-intensity materials.
What authorities have said so far
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha stated that all agencies are on-site and that “all possibilities are being investigated.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that NIA, NSG, and FSL teams are conducting a thorough probe, with CCTV footage being analyzed from surrounding areas.
The Delhi Police Special Cell has already detained one suspect for questioning, as confirmed by CNN-News18.
Situation on the ground
Home Minister Amit Shah visited LNJP Hospital late Monday night to meet the injured and later briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured full support to those affected.
Traffic remains restricted around Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, with Delhi Metro operations continuing under heightened security.
Disclaimer: The information is based on preliminary investigation updates from official and media sources. Details may evolve as forensic reports and interrogation findings are confirmed.