Days after the car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort left at least 10 dead and over 20 injured, the Centre has officially termed the November 10 blast a "terror incident". As investigators dig deeper, multiple new revelations have emerged linking the accused to a larger network of radicalised operatives.
Centre confirms ‘terror incident’ probe
The Centre on Wednesday confirmed that the Red Fort explosion is being investigated as a terror attack under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and explosives laws.
“The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion near the Red Fort on the evening of 10 November 2025…the Cabinet reiterates India’s unwavering commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” a government statement said after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Also Read | 32 cars, 32 attacks: Massive Delhi terror plot linked to Red Fort blast uncovered
Investigators uncover city-wide bombing plan
Investigators into Monday's deadly car explosion outside Delhi's Red Fort seem to have unearthed what was clearly part of a far more sinister plan.
Sources close to the probe told NDTV that 32 vehicles, including a Maruti Brezza, Maruti Swift Dzire, Ford EcoSport and the Hyundai i20 that exploded, were being readied for a coordinated series of blasts across the national capital.
According to this report, these vehicles were intended to cause a series of blasts on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition, as an act of “revenge.” Now, police officials suspect that the Red Fort blast was triggered prematurely, probably by one of the operatives himself, which upset the terrorists’ original plan.
Telegram chats reveal Jaish link
According to a report by the Hindustan Times, investigators have found unmistakable evidence of the involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammed from Telegram chats on the arrested doctors' mobile phones. Initial investigations into the matter reveal that the accused persons were in direct contact with their handlers based in Pakistan.
"An initial analysis of the arrested persons’ digital devices shows that they were in touch with their Jaish terror handlers in Pakistan through Telegram platform, " a senior officer told the Hindustan Times.
Blast suspected to be panic triggered
As per the report, officials are also investigating whether the blast was part of a pre-planned terror scheme or an explosion caused by panic when the Faridabad terror module was busted. Investigators suspect the accused may have tried to destroy evidence or abort the mission after sensing a police crackdown.
Suspicions of coordination between the two events have been reinforced as one of the key suspects, identified as Dr Umar, has been linked to those detained in the Faridabad operation.
Also Read | NIA DG Vijay Sakhare takes charge of the 'Special Team' for Delhi explosion investigation
Arrested doctor's past under lens
The personal life of one of the accused, Dr Shaheen Shahid, too, has been under scrutiny. Her ex-husband, Dr Zafar Hayat- an ophthalmologist from Kanpur, told reporters that Shaheen’s radical turn was unexpected. " Shaheen often insisted that we should move to Australia or a European country, but I wanted to stay here. One day, she suddenly left us. We divorced in 2015, and she never returned. There was never any conflict between us," he told Hindustan Times.
Turkey visit raises questions
The authorities have confirmed that Dr Umar Nabi and his associate, Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie, travelled to Turkey in 2022. Now, investigators are probing whether the trip involved meetings with terror handlers. The officials are tracing the funding and communication routes used by the accused during and after their visit.
