Explosive trail uncovered
Investigators probing the devastating blast near Delhi’s historic Red Fort have traced the explosives back to rural Haryana’s Nuh district and a procurement module in Faridabad. The findings reveal a carefully orchestrated chain of purchases involving large quantities of fertilizer and ammonium nitrate.
Setting the stage: how serious the blast was
On 10 November 2025, a car explosion near the Red Fort Metro station claimed the lives of over 10 people and injured several others. From the outset, authorities treated it as a potential act of terrorism, involving high-grade explosives and multiple vehicles. The investigation quickly expanded into adjoining districts of Haryana, including Faridabad and Gurugram.
What the investigation has revealed
Here are the key developments uncovered so far:
- Explosives were traced to Basai Meo village and surrounding areas in Nuh district, where suspects purchased ammonium nitrate and NPK fertilizers from mining and agricultural dealers.
- The procurement network reportedly raised around ₹20 lakh and bought more than 26 quintals of NPK fertilizer and over 1,000 kg of ammonium nitrate over several months.
- Dealers in Faridabad have been identified as key suppliers; suspects posed as farmers in order to avoid suspicion.
- Multiple vehicles including a white Hyundai i20 and a red Ford EcoSport are under investigation for links to the blast and transport of explosive material.
- The module is linked to persons associated with an educational institution in Faridabad, widening the probe to include finance trails, encrypted communications and multi-state movement.
Expert / Industry Insight
A senior investigating officer said, “The network was operational months in advance, using small-batch purchases to evade detection. The rural Nuh mining belt was exploited for its access to blasting chemicals.” Investigators note that the sophistication and layered movement of materials indicate this was more than an isolated incident it may point to a broader terror infrastructure.
Why this matters
- National security: The blast in a high-visibility location like the Red Fort demonstrates how terror groups may exploit rural supply channels to target urban centres.
- Law enforcement resources: Tracking procurement, transport, and finance over multiple states places enormous pressure on investigative agencies and inter-state coordination.
- Public trust: With vehicles and trusted institutions potentially involved, public anxiety about safety and screening intensifies.
- Policy implications: The case may force tighter regulation of fertilizer and mining chemicals, and impose stricter controls on transport of potentially explosive materials.
What’s next
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state forces will likely conduct further raids in Nuh, Faridabad and Gurugram to trace the full supply-chain.
- Authorities will examine dealer records, CCTV footage, vehicle registrations and encrypted communication systems to map the entire module.
- Policy reforms may follow: stricter monitoring of ammonium nitrate, NPK fertilizers used in non-agricultural settings, and closer oversight of automobile registrations in sensitive zones.
- Public safety measures may include enhanced vehicle checks around landmarks and increased surveillance in suburban-rural transition zones.
Conclusion
The tracing of explosives used near the Red Fort to Nuh village and a Faridabad module casts the blast as part of a larger, orchestrated terror supply-chain rather than a spontaneous act. It emphasises the complexity of modern terror logistics rural procurement, disguised transport, institutional links and highlights the ongoing challenge for Indian security agencies. The full truth may yet emerge, but one thing is clear: vigilance, inter-state coordination and robust regulation of explosive precursor materials have never been more critical.
