Indian Police Probe Kashmir Links in Delhi Red Fort Blast Case

Published: 14 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Three days after a car exploded near the historic Red Fort in Delhi, killing eight people, investigators are exploring whether the incident has any connection to recent arrests in Indian-administered Kashmir, as well as the seizure of a large cache of explosives from Faridabad, a suburb of the capital. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s counter-terrorism law enforcement body, has taken over the case and is examining multiple angles, although authorities have stressed that no definitive conclusions can yet be drawn.

The explosion occurred at 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT) on Monday evening, when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a busy traffic signal and erupted in flames. Footage from the site captured a charred white Hyundai i20, alongside other damaged vehicles including autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws. The nearby Red Fort, one of India’s most iconic landmarks, has been closed temporarily as the investigation continues.

While no official confirmation has been provided about the ownership of the vehicle or the precise mechanism of the explosion, Indian media reports have suggested that the car had been parked for several hours before the blast, and that a man, depicted in a viral photograph circulating on social platforms, may have been involved in driving it around the city. The NIA has said it is investigating all possible leads, including any potential link between this individual and recent arrests carried out by Kashmir police.

The security response was swift. On Wednesday, the federal cabinet issued a statement condemning the incident as a “heinous terror attack carried out by anti-national forces.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the blast as part of a “conspiracy,” warning that those responsible would not evade justice. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah echoed these sentiments, with Shah stating that he had instructed officials to “hunt down every culprit behind this incident.”

In addition to registering cases under the Explosives Act and the Indian Penal Code, the Delhi police invoked the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), reflecting the severity with which authorities are treating the incident. The investigation is now primarily being led by the NIA, although officials have yet to hold a formal press briefing or release detailed information about the ongoing proceedings.

Authorities are particularly interested in any connections between the Delhi blast and the arrests made just hours prior in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir police detained seven men—including two doctors—from the region and the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The arrests were accompanied by the seizure of 2,900 kilograms of explosives and weapons, including two automatic rifles, in Faridabad. Kashmir police described the operation as targeting a “white-collar terror ecosystem” and indicated that additional suspects were being traced in connection with these investigations.

The NIA has confirmed that it is reviewing extensive documents and evidence from these cases to determine if there is a link between the arrested individuals and the Delhi explosion. Analysts note that the timing and scale of the Faridabad explosives seizure have raised questions about a possible coordinated plot, though authorities are careful to stress that no formal connections have yet been established.

The blast near the Red Fort is being treated as particularly sensitive due to its location and timing. The Red Fort is not only a major tourist attraction but also a symbol of India’s independence and national pride. Authorities have imposed heightened security measures in the surrounding area, and the investigation team is examining CCTV footage, witness accounts, and forensic evidence to determine the sequence of events leading to the explosion.

Media coverage has been extensive but sometimes speculative, with numerous reports circulating in the days following the attack. While leaks and unnamed sources have fueled widespread speculation, the NIA has cautioned against drawing conclusions based on unverified information. Investigators have emphasised that only verified evidence and methodical inquiry will guide their conclusions.

Indian authorities are also examining whether the blast is connected to broader patterns of militancy in the region. Kashmir, which has been a flashpoint for insurgency for decades, has seen heightened security operations in recent months. The arrests of the seven men and the seizure of explosives in Faridabad suggest that authorities are actively monitoring networks that could pose a threat to the capital and other parts of India.

Prime Minister Modi’s response, describing the attack as a “conspiracy,” reflects the seriousness with which the government views the incident. Both Modi and Home Minister Shah have reiterated that the investigation will leave no stone unturned, and that all those involved will be held accountable. The federal cabinet’s resolution further underscores the national importance of the case, with officials framing the blast as an attack not only on civilians but on the nation itself.

The NIA has emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and that the agency is leaving no lead unexplored. Officials are examining potential links between the Delhi blast, the Kashmir arrests, and the Faridabad explosives seizure, as well as any other leads that may emerge from forensic analysis, digital evidence, or eyewitness accounts. They have confirmed that the priority is to determine the motive, identify the perpetrators, and prevent any further attacks.

Security experts note that attacks targeting high-profile locations in India are rare but carry significant symbolic weight, often intended to send a message or create public fear. The choice of the Red Fort as the site for the blast suggests an intent to maximise visibility and impact, both nationally and internationally. Analysts also highlight the challenges faced by law enforcement in disentangling overlapping threats, particularly when explosives and potential terror networks operate across multiple states.

In the days following the incident, Indian authorities have maintained a cautious approach in sharing details with the public, balancing transparency with the need to protect operational security. While media outlets have circulated numerous theories and reports, investigators stress that all findings must be corroborated with evidence before they can be treated as fact.

The Delhi blast serves as a reminder of ongoing security challenges in India, particularly in the context of domestic terrorism and cross-regional threats. The involvement of high-value explosives and the potential links to organized networks in Kashmir and Faridabad underscore the complexity of counter-terrorism operations and the critical role of intelligence and law enforcement coordination.

In conclusion, the explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort has triggered a wide-ranging investigation, with authorities exploring links to arrests in Kashmir and the seizure of explosives in Faridabad. The NIA has taken over the case, focusing on both the immediate circumstances of the blast and the broader networks that may have facilitated it. While many details remain unverified, investigators are pursuing all leads systematically, aiming to bring those responsible to justice and to safeguard the capital against further threats. The case continues to evolve, with national and international attention focused on the outcome of this high-profile investigation.