New Delhi: The preliminary investigation into the car explosion outside Delhi's Red Fort suggests that it could be an act of terror. Investigators have confirmed that a Hyundai i20 car was packed with explosives and it was deliberately detonated near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. At least nine people were killed and over 30 were injured in the attack. Investigations suggest that it was a suicide attack, and there could be a link to the Faridabad module, which was busted by the Jammu and Kashmir police.
Forensic officials who were present at the spot have learnt that a high-end explosive had been used. They suspect that the car was laden with both ammonium nitrate and RDX.
Officials say that car ownership has changed multiple times. This is a classic modus operandi that terrorists use to choose a vehicle for SVB-IED (suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device) attacks. Officials say that nothing is being ruled out at the moment, while adding that all angles point towards an act of terror. Sources say that the car in question was purchased by one Tariq, a resident of Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. His links to the Faridabad module are under investigation, the police added.
The police say that the car blew up at around 6.52 p.m. This triggered a fire that engulfed the vehicles that were nearby. Officials say that investigations point towards the involvement of the Faridabad module.
This module is suspected to have played a major role in supplying the explosives and also planning the attack. The police also suspect that one Dr Umar Mohammad, who was part of the Faridabad module, was present in the car at the time of the explosion.