Red Fort blast: Was it premature blast, not suicide bombing?
What's the story
The death toll in the car explosion near New Delhi's Red Fort has risen to 13. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is now leading the probe into this incident. Initial investigations suggest that a doctor from Pulwama was possibly the only occupant of the vehicle that detonated on Monday. The bomb was reportedly "premature," as the suspect was acting in haste owing to police raids, which had already resulted in two arrests and the seizure of massive bomb-making material.
Report
Possibility of accidental explosion
This finding is critical because it shifts the investigation from a suspected suicide attack to an accidental explosion in transit, according to authorities. Following their initial assessment, intelligence sources told NDTV that the suspect appeared to have improperly assembled the improvised explosive device (IED). As a result, the IED had a limited impact, they said. Top intelligence sources have also not ruled out the possibility that the explosion occurred as the suspects attempted to relocate or dispose of the explosives.
Security measures
Lal Quila Metro Station shut as precautionary measure
In the wake of the blast, Lal Quila Metro Station will remain shut on Wednesday, November 12. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) confirmed on social media that all other stations are functioning normally. "Due to security reasons, the Lal Quila Metro Station shall continue to remain closed on 12th of November also," the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said on X. The closure is a precautionary measure amid heightened security in the national capital.
Arrests made
Woman doctor arrested in connection with blast
Meanwhile, a woman doctor, Shaheen Saeed (40), was arrested from Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. This is the eighth arrest in the "terror module" case linked to two terror outfits, including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). At least 20 others are being questioned by security agencies in the Kashmir Valley, The Hindu reported. The investigation is being treated as a possible act of terror by authorities.
International response
UN expresses condolences, calls for full investigation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also expressed condolences over the loss of lives in this tragic incident. His spokesperson stressed the importance of a full investigation into what happened. "We also, of course, send our condolences to the government and people of India for what has happened there, and that also needs to be fully investigated," Farhan Haq said at a daily briefing on Tuesday.