New Delhi, November 11, 2025:
Delhi’s heart was jolted late Sunday night when a high-intensity explosion tore through the area near the historic Red Fort, leaving one person dead and a trail of mangled metal across 25 metres.
Investigators have confirmed the presence of RDX, a military-grade explosive, marking one of the most serious security incidents in the capital in recent years.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the case, coordinating with the Delhi Police Special Cell, the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and forensic experts from the FSL Rohini.
According to an initial report shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the explosion was “clearly deliberate in nature.”
A Sudden Blast Shatters a Calm Delhi Evening
At around 8:15 p.m. on November 10, a parked car near Netaji Subhash Marg, just outside Red Fort’s public parking zone, exploded with enough force to be heard over a kilometre away.
Witnesses described chaos as flames rose from the wreckage and smoke enveloped the nearby stretch connecting Daryaganj and Jama Masjid.
“I heard a sharp sound and saw people running. The fire was massive — within seconds, vehicles were burning,” said Rafiq Ahmed, a local shopkeeper. “We didn’t know if it was a gas cylinder or a bomb at first.”
Fire services reached the scene within minutes and doused the blaze, but by then, the car was completely gutted.
Investigators later recovered human remains, believed to belong to a man in his mid-30s who may have been inside the vehicle. DNA testing is underway to confirm identity.
Forensics Confirm RDX: A Planned Attack, Not an Accident
A senior officer from Delhi Police’s Special Cell, speaking on condition of anonymity, said,
“This was a controlled detonation caused by a high-grade explosive. The forensic signature matches RDX. It was not a mechanical failure or spontaneous ignition.”
Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have submitted residue samples confirming military-grade explosive traces, pointing to a possible improvised explosive device (IED).
Investigators are now examining whether the device was remotely triggered or timed.
According to the NIA, RDX is rarely accessible outside official or military channels, making its use a significant concern. Past incidents involving similar materials have been linked to organized terror networks.
The Investigation: A Race Against Time
The NIA has set up a multi-agency task force to trace the vehicle’s movement and possible origin.
CCTV footage from over 40 cameras in Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and Red Fort Road is being analyzed frame by frame.
Early footage reportedly shows a suspicious vehicle entering the area around 6:30 p.m., just two hours before the blast.
Officials confirmed that the car carried Haryana registration plates and that a team has been dispatched to Panipat to verify ownership records.
A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs said,
“The use of RDX in a high-footfall heritage zone raises serious national security concerns. A joint operation between NIA, Delhi Police, and IB is underway to identify all links.”
Sources told ANI that foreign intelligence units have also been alerted, as the blast bore “tactical similarities” to IED patterns observed in small-scale cross-border incidents.
Heightened Security Across Delhi After the Blast
Security has been intensified across all major landmarks — India Gate, Rajghat, Jama Masjid, Connaught Place, and the Delhi Metro network.
The Delhi Police has established extra night patrol units, deployed sniffer dogs, and increased drone surveillance in Old Delhi.
Visitors to Red Fort and nearby tourist hubs were advised to avoid the area until forensic teams complete their work. Entry to the fort remains temporarily suspended.
Traffic has been rerouted around Netaji Subhash Marg and Daryaganj, with checkpoints set up at all major intersections leading to the Red Fort.
What the Experts Are Saying
Security experts and counterterrorism analysts have raised concerns about the return of high-explosive materials to urban India.
Brigadier (Retd.) Arun Tiwari, former counterintelligence officer, said:
“The use of RDX near Red Fort signals premeditation and planning. It suggests that the perpetrators had access to trained logistics and surveillance. Delhi’s security infrastructure needs recalibration — especially around symbolic heritage sites.”
Environmental impact analysts also noted that such explosions release harmful particulates into densely populated areas, posing both immediate and long-term health risks for residents.
Delhi’s Leadership Calls for Calm and Accountability
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the incident “deeply troubling” and said the Delhi government was extending full cooperation to central agencies.
“This is a grave matter. The safety of Delhi’s people is paramount. We will work with the Centre to ensure accountability and justice,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora reassured residents that no wider threat had been detected but urged vigilance.
“We are not seeing evidence of a follow-up threat at this time. However, citizens should remain alert and report anything suspicious,” he told reporters.
At the national level, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation with the Director of Intelligence Bureau and NIA Director-General. He directed that daily progress reports be submitted to the ministry.
Red Fort: A Symbol Targeted Before
The Red Fort, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds deep symbolic importance — it is where India’s Prime Minister addresses the nation every Independence Day.
This is not the first time the monument has faced a security scare.
The 2000 Red Fort attack, which killed three people, was linked to a Lashkar-e-Taiba module and led to major upgrades in Delhi’s security grid.
Analysts note that the current blast — though smaller in scale — is the first incident involving RDX near a heritage zone in two decades.
Public Response and Local Impact
Residents in Old Delhi described the night as one of “fear and disbelief.”
Markets in Chandni Chowk and Daryaganj remained partially closed on Monday as police continued evidence collection.
“We’ve seen police and bomb squads all night. It feels like the whole city has stopped breathing for a moment,” said Imran Khan, a local vendor.
Social media was flooded with images of the cordoned area, though Delhi Police later urged people to avoid sharing unverified visuals, warning that misinformation could “hamper investigations and create panic.”
The Road Ahead for Investigators
According to NIA officials (via nia.gov.in), a multi-layered forensic and cyber tracking process is now in progress. This includes:
- Digital forensics to trace mobile signals in the vicinity at the time of the blast
- Chemical analysis of residue to confirm explosive purity levels
- Verification of vehicle ownership and service history
- Collaboration with central and regional intelligence networks
Preliminary findings are expected to be shared with the Home Ministry within 72 hours.
Public Advisory: Stay Calm, Stay Alert
Delhi Police have issued the following safety advisory:
- Avoid the Red Fort and adjoining areas until official clearance is issued.
- Report unattended vehicles or bags immediately to 112 or nearby police stations.
- Follow updates from @DelhiPolice on X or delhipolice.gov.in.
- Refrain from circulating unverified photos or messages related to the blast.
Authorities have also asked schools, offices, and marketplaces in the Old Delhi area to remain operational but vigilant.
Delhi’s Resilience Amid Shock
As Delhi recovers from yet another reminder of its vulnerability, the city’s people — from traders to students — continue their routines with quiet determination.
For many, the Red Fort remains more than a monument; it’s a part of the city’s collective identity.
“This fort has seen emperors, wars, and freedom struggles. It will stand through this too,” said Aditi Sharma, a college student who visits the area regularly.
Updstes Here – Delhi Red Fort Blast RDX Jem Link
FAQs on the Red Fort Blast in Delhi
What happened near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, 2025?
A powerful explosion occurred near the Red Fort’s Netaji Subhash Marg parking area around 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, November 10. The blast destroyed a parked vehicle, scattered debris across 25 metres, and killed one person. Forensic tests later confirmed the use of RDX, a high-grade explosive.
Was the explosion an accident or a planned act?
Authorities have ruled out accidental causes. Forensic evidence and blast patterns confirm it was a planned explosion involving a remote-triggered IED (improvised explosive device). The use of RDX, a restricted substance, further points to a deliberate and organized act.
Who is investigating the Red Fort explosion?
The case has been taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the direction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Delhi Police Special Cell, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are assisting in the investigation.
Has anyone been identified or arrested so far?
One set of human remains was recovered from the site, believed to belong to a man in his 30s. DNA testing is underway to confirm identity. The car involved in the explosion carried Haryana registration plates, and its ownership is being traced. As of now, no arrests have been made.
What did forensics find at the site?
Samples collected by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed the presence of RDX. The explosion pattern and intensity suggest a concentrated blast radius, consistent with military-grade explosives. Investigators also found traces of burnt metallic fragments and plastic residues used for explosive casing.
What is RDX and why is it significant?
RDX (Research Department Explosive) is a high-power explosive commonly used in military-grade devices. It is not available commercially, and its presence in a civilian area indicates possible illegal procurement or terror involvement.
What security measures have been taken after the blast?
Security has been intensified across Delhi, especially around monuments and crowded public areas. Drone surveillance, night patrols, and vehicle checks are active near India Gate, Jama Masjid, Rajghat, Connaught Place, and the Delhi Metro network.
Is the Red Fort open to visitors after the explosion?
Access to the Red Fort and its surrounding area remains restricted temporarily while forensic teams and the NIA complete their on-site investigation. Visitors are advised to follow official updates before planning travel to the monument.
What has the government said about the incident?
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the incident “deeply troubling” and pledged full support to central agencies. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation with the NIA and Intelligence Bureau and has ordered daily progress briefings.
How are experts interpreting the blast?
Security analysts believe the use of RDX near a high-security monument shows deliberate intent and planning. Experts say the location’s symbolic importance and the timing point to an attempt to “send a message” rather than cause mass casualties.
What should residents and citizens do now?
Delhi Police have urged citizens to:
- Report suspicious vehicles or unattended bags immediately via 112.
- Avoid sharing unverified images or claims on social media.
- Follow official updates from @DelhiPolice and @PIB_India.
- Cooperate with additional security measures in high-footfall areas.
Have there been similar incidents before?
Yes. The Red Fort has faced security threats in the past, including the 2000 terror attack that killed three people. The current blast is the first RDX-linked explosion near the monument in two decades.