Blast near Red Fort: 'No mercy, culprits will pay,' warns PM; Jaish-e-Mohammed under suspicion

NEW DELHI: As suspicion grows that Pakistan-based terror groups were behind the car blast near the Red Fort, central investigation agencies say the attack involved large-scale planning. According to officials, the blast was carried out by “white-collar terrorists” - educated young men, including doctors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said no one responsible will be spared. Both the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister warned that the planners would face serious consequences.

Investigators believe Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Kashmir-based group supported by Pakistan, is behind the blast. Lashkar-e-Taiba is also under suspicion.

“I understand the pain of the families who lost their loved ones. The nation stands with them. Agencies will probe this case to its deepest level,” Modi said at an event in Bhutan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also assured that those responsible will not escape. The findings of the investigation will be shared with the nation.

A meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security will be held today, and the Union Cabinet may also meet. Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed central agencies to catch the culprits—dead or alive. A high-level meeting was held at the Home Minister’s residence, and Delhi Police submitted the preliminary investigation report. The blast took place at 6.52 pm on Monday in a white Hyundai i20 (HR 26 CE 7674).

No group has claimed responsibility yet, so agencies are checking whether multiple terror organisations worked together. The powerful blast involved ammonium nitrate fuel oil and detonators, confirming the involvement of a terror outfit. High alert continues along the India–Pakistan border. The death toll remains at 13. Of the 20 people receiving treatment, six are in critical condition. Three people are being questioned in connection with the vehicle’s sale.

Terrorist identified as Dr Umar Nabi
CCTV footage shows the car was driven by 34-year-old Dr Umar Nabi from Pulwama. He was believed to be alone in the car. He was wearing a black-and-blue T-shirt. To confirm his identity, investigators collected DNA samples from his mother and brought them to Delhi. The NIA, which has taken over the case, has registered an FIR.

Umar’s 11-hour route map (with mask on)
7:30 am – Seen outside Asian Hospital, Faridabad
8:13 am – Car enters Delhi through the Badarpur Toll Plaza
8:20 am – Stops at a petrol pump in Okhla
3:19 pm – Reaches Red Fort complex parking area
6:22 pm – Leaves the parking area
6:52 pm – Blast near Red Fort shocks the nation

10 lakh compensation
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of those killed. Those who suffered complete disability will receive Rs 5 lakh, and the seriously injured will get Rs 2 lakh immediately.