In a major revelation, investigators have confirmed that the deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, which claimed nine lives, is connected to a “white-collar” terror network busted in a joint operation by Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana Police. According to top sources, the car used in the blast belonged to Dr. Umar Mohammad from Pulwama, south Kashmir, who was allegedly part of the module.

Car owner identified as Pulwama doctor linked to module

Sources revealed that Dr. Umar panicked after two of his associates—Dr. Mujammil Shakeel and Dr. Adil Rather—were arrested in Faridabad, leading him to trigger the blast near the Red Fort. Over 2,900 kilograms of suspected explosives had been seized from two rented houses in Haryana in the preceding days.

The Delhi Police have now invoked sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), treating the case as a terror attack. They have also added provisions under the Explosive Substances Act, and charges of murder and attempt to murder.

Investigators suspect ammonium nitrate was used in the blast, which also matches the material recovered from the Faridabad raids. The car, seen moving from the Red Fort towards central Delhi before the explosion, may have had targets elsewhere in the capital.

Multi-agency probe underway

The explosion occurred at a red light near the Red Fort, engulfing six vehicles and several rickshaws in flames. Visuals from the scene showed mangled cars, scattered debris, and severe human casualties. Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that a slow-moving car exploded while stationary, damaging nearby vehicles and killing multiple people.

A large-scale investigation has been launched, involving the Delhi Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, NIA, NSG, Intelligence Bureau, Haryana Police, UP ATS, and forensic teams. A suspect named Tariq has been detained in Pulwama, with initial questioning revealing that the car had changed ownership multiple times before the blast.

“White-collar” module of radicalised professionals

Officials described the busted group as a “white-collar terror module” involving educated individuals, including doctors and other professionals, allegedly working under foreign handlers. Raids across Srinagar, Anantnag, Ganderbal, Shopian, and Faridabad led to the recovery of over 2,900 kilograms of bomb-making materials, 20 timers, assault rifles, handguns, and ammunition.

Home Minister Amit Shah has stated that “no possibility is being ruled out” and that all angles, including cross-border involvement, are under investigation. Delhi remains on high alert as questioning of suspects continues.

Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 14.55% by 9 am in the second and final phase of the 2025 Assembly elections, as polling began across 122 constituencies in 20 districts on Tuesday. Voting, which started at 7 am, will continue till 5 pm.

Strong start in key districts

According to the Election Commission data, the turnout surpassed the 13.13% recorded at the same time during phase one. Gaya district led with the highest early participation at 15.97%, followed closely by Kishanganj (15.81%) and Jamui (15.77%). Madhubani reported the lowest turnout at 13.25%.

Ministers in the fray

This round is particularly significant for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s cabinet, with 12 ministers contesting. Among JD(U) candidates are Vijendra Yadav (Supaul), Lesi Singh (Dhamdaha), Jayant Kushwaha (Amarpur), Sumit Singh (Chakai), Mohammad Jama Khan (Chainpur), and Sheela Mandal (Phoolparas).

From the BJP side, key contenders include Prem Kumar (Gaya), Renu Devi (Bettiah), Vijay Kumar Mandal (Sikati), Nitish Mishra (Jhanjharpur), Neeraj Bablu (Chhatapur), and Krishnanandan Paswan (Harsiddhi).

Political appeals and early incidents

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged voters to “set a new record” in this phase, while Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi appealed to vote “for the protection of democracy and the Constitution.” RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari claimed there was a “wave of change” in Bihar.

In Warisaliganj, clashes broke out between Jan Suraaj supporters and BJP workers, though polling continued without major disruption. In Madhubani, cavalry patrols were deployed to maintain order around sensitive polling booths.

Enthusiastic voter participation

The Election Commission urged citizens to participate actively, while visuals from Nawada and Motihari showed long queues at polling stations. Several migrant workers returned from Delhi and Punjab to vote, with special trains arranged to help them reach their home districts.

Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi called on voters to surpass the first-phase turnout and support the “double-engine government,” citing Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Bihar’s development under the ‘Purvodaya’ initiative.

At least eight people are dead and 24 others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a car near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening, officials said. The blast occurred near Gate Number 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, triggering a massive fire that engulfed nearby vehicles and sent shockwaves across the area.

Multiple vehicles damaged in the explosion

According to police sources, three to four vehicles parked near the blast site caught fire and sustained extensive damage. The Delhi Fire Department said around 20 fire engines were dispatched to the scene. Authorities have cordoned off the entire area, restricting traffic movement around the Red Fort.

Eyewitness videos showed burning vehicles and a van with its doors blown off. One clip captured a mangled car and an injured man lying on the road as bystanders gathered around in panic. “It was a very powerful explosion,” said a Delhi Police official, adding that the injured were rushed to LNJP Hospital.

Panic and eyewitness accounts

Residents in the vicinity described hearing a loud blast followed by a huge fireball. “I saw a huge fireball from the terrace of my house. The sound shook the windows,” said one witness. Another resident, who was at a nearby gurdwara, recalled, “We heard a strong explosion but couldn’t figure out what it was at first.”

Forensic and technical teams have reached the site to determine the nature of the explosion. Authorities are yet to confirm whether it was accidental or deliberate.

Linked developments in Faridabad

The explosion in Delhi comes hours after a massive cache of suspected explosives was recovered from a rented accommodation in Haryana’s Faridabad. Police said the property was rented by Dr Mujammil Shakeel, a doctor from Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama, believed to be part of a “white-collar” terror network involving radicalised professionals. The joint operation by Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Police over the past 15 days led to the recovery of over 2,900 kg of bomb-making material.