Delhi Blast Terror Probe: UAPA Invoked After Explosive Traces Found
Description :
Investigators invoke UAPA after Delhi blast kills eight near Red Fort; traces of explosives recovered as national security agencies join probe.
Published on:
12 November 2025 | 11:05 PM (GMT+05:30, IST, India)
Published by: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
Introduction :
New Delhi, India — Investigators have invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) as part of an ongoing terrorism probe into the deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, which killed at least eight people and injured several others on Wednesday evening.
Preliminary forensic results confirmed residue of high-grade explosives at the blast site, suggesting deliberate intent and sophisticated planning. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell have taken joint control of the investigation under the directive of the Union Home Ministry.
The explosion occurred on Subhash Marg, approximately 500 meters from the Red Fort, one of India’s most iconic landmarks. Eyewitnesses described a sudden flash of light followed by a deafening blast that shattered windows and set nearby vehicles ablaze. Within minutes, the entire area was cordoned off as fire tenders and bomb disposal units rushed to the site.
In the wake of the incident, national security agencies have heightened vigilance across Delhi-NCR, launching door-to-door searches, reviewing CCTV footage, and scanning digital communication networks for any signs of pre-attack coordination. A special task force is also analyzing data from mobile towers and GPS devices to trace movements near the blast zone.
Home Minister Amit Shah convened an emergency meeting with the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), and NIA officials late Wednesday night. “Those behind this cowardly act will be brought to justice. The government will ensure a comprehensive response,” Shah stated during a televised address.
This marks the first major terror-related case in the national capital in nearly four years, reigniting concerns about urban vulnerability, coordination among extremist networks, and the growing complexity of cyber-enabled terror operations.
Incident Overview: What Happened at the Red Fort?
According to police reports, the explosion occurred at around 7:10 PM near the Red Fort’s southern gate, close to the crowded Daryaganj intersection. The car, reportedly a white SUV, had been parked illegally for over an hour before the explosion.
Forensic teams from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) discovered traces of RDX and ammonium nitrate, substances commonly used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The vehicle’s chassis number was partially destroyed, complicating immediate identification.
“We are confident this was a targeted attack designed for maximum impact,” said Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora. “The choice of location—close to a historical monument and tourist area—suggests a calculated attempt to spread fear.”
Surveillance cameras captured two individuals leaving the area moments before the explosion. Their identities remain under verification, and the footage is being enhanced using AI-based facial recognition tools from the Safe City Project.
Historical Context and Security Concerns
The Red Fort has long been a symbol of India’s sovereignty and has, therefore, been a potential target for extremist groups. The last attack in this area took place in December 2000, when gunmen linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba killed three security personnel.
Delhi’s high-density zones have faced a series of terror threats over the decades — from the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 serial blasts, and the 2011 Delhi High Court bombing, which collectively reshaped India’s urban counterterrorism strategy.
Security experts from Interpol and UN Counter-Terrorism Office (UNOCT) have frequently highlighted India’s strategic vulnerabilities: a vast public space network, heavy festival gatherings, and interlinked transit hubs that can be exploited for symbolic strikes.
Authorities Invoke UAPA: What It Means
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) — India’s most stringent anti-terror legislation — has now been formally invoked. This allows investigators to detain suspects for extended periods, intercept communications, and conduct cross-border coordination.
Officials confirmed that Section 15 (Terrorist Act) and Section 18 (Conspiracy to Commit Terror Act) have been applied. This step came after the forensic discovery of military-grade explosive materials, confirming the incident as a deliberate act of terror rather than an accident.
A senior NIA officer, speaking to Reuters, said, “We have identified certain communication patterns that indicate coordination between multiple operatives. Traces of encrypted messaging platforms have been found in the area’s digital footprint.”
International agencies, including Interpol and Europol, have been alerted for potential data-sharing under UN Security Council Resolution 1373, which obligates member states to assist in terror investigations.
Reactions from National and Global Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a late-night message, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families. “Ease of justice is as vital as the ease of living. We will not rest until justice is delivered,” he said during the National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms earlier in the day.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, via UN News, called the attack “a grim reminder of the global need for vigilance and unity against violent extremism.”
The United States Department of State and the European Union External Action Service (EEAS) also released statements urging collaborative intelligence efforts to prevent similar incidents.
WHO commended the rapid deployment of trauma care and emergency medical teams, noting that Delhi’s emergency response system managed to contain casualties despite the magnitude of the explosion.
Delhi-NCR Under Tight Security
Following the explosion, the Delhi Police declared a citywide red alert. Over 10,000 security personnel, including paramilitary forces and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units, have been deployed.
Checkpoints have been established at all entry and exit points, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport has shifted to Level 3 security, its highest peacetime status. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has temporarily suspended service on the Violet and Red Lines, which pass near the affected area.
Residents have been advised to report suspicious activity via the Delhi Police mobile app, and all parking near tourist sites has been restricted until further notice.
Meanwhile, in Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad, local police have intensified patrolling, drone surveillance, and vehicle checks. According to BBC News, Delhi-NCR is witnessing its largest coordinated counterterror deployment since the 2019 Pulwama aftermath.
Investigative Leads and Early Findings
Investigators are pursuing multiple leads, including the possibility of foreign funding or external coordination. Initial evidence points to local facilitation by an organized cell with prior reconnaissance of the Red Fort vicinity.
One major breakthrough came when forensic teams recovered a partially burnt SIM card from the debris, believed to be from a prepaid device activated under a false identity.
According to intelligence sources quoted by Reuters and Al Jazeera, encrypted communications linked to banned organizations were detected in northern India in recent weeks. The NIA is now collaborating with cyber forensic labs to decode these messages.
Officials are also exploring links with earlier arrests in Punjab and Jammu, where small quantities of explosives were seized from alleged couriers with suspected cross-border connections.
Impact on Public Life and Transport
The explosion caused widespread travel disruption across Delhi-NCR. More than 700 flights were delayed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, while hundreds of commuters were stranded due to metro line closures and diverted traffic routes.
In Old Delhi, key markets such as Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and Jama Masjid were temporarily sealed for forensic clearance. Schools in central zones have been directed to operate online for two days.
Business analysts estimate a temporary economic impact of over ₹150 crore ($18 million USD) due to logistical paralysis and retail disruptions.
Public Reaction and Solidarity
Candlelight vigils and peace marches were held at India Gate, Rajghat, and Connaught Place, with citizens calling for unity and resilience. Social media campaigns under hashtags #DelhiBlast, #PrayForDelhi, and #StandAgainstTerror trended globally, drawing millions of messages of support.
UNESCO officials lauded the spirit of Delhi’s residents, describing it as “a testament to urban resilience and civic unity.”
At RML Hospital, where most victims are being treated, volunteers from NGOs and youth organizations have been assisting medical staff around the clock.
Global Terrorism Context
Analysts from UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) and NATO Counterterrorism Centre say the Delhi blast reflects a disturbing trend in urban asymmetric warfare — where small, localized attacks aim for maximum psychological disruption.
Similar tactics have been observed in Istanbul (2016), London (2017), and Jakarta (2021), where vehicle-based explosions were used near high-profile public areas.
A joint statement from Interpol emphasized the need for shared databases, biometric verification, and AI-driven predictive security systems to mitigate urban terror risks in major capitals.
Expert Insights and Policy Debate
Dr. Meera Joshi, a counterterrorism analyst at King’s College London, told Reuters, “India’s challenge is not just preventing attacks but modernizing the intelligence ecosystem to predict them. AI, data fusion, and real-time surveillance integration are the next frontiers.”
Several think tanks, including the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and Brookings Institution, have called for a revamp of India’s UAPA procedures to ensure both security efficiency and civil rights balance.
The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has also urged member nations to strengthen judicial oversight in anti-terror legislation to prevent misuse while ensuring deterrence.
Conclusion
The Delhi blast terrorism probe underscores how urban security remains one of India’s most pressing governance challenges. With the UAPA now in play, authorities are expected to make arrests in the coming days as digital forensics and human intelligence converge.
Experts say India’s ability to blend technology, inter-agency coordination, and global cooperation will define how effectively it can counter emerging terror threats in the 21st century.
While the immediate focus remains on justice for victims, the long-term lesson lies in strengthening proactive intelligence networks, community policing, and international partnerships against radical extremism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was UAPA invoked in the Delhi blast case?
Authorities found evidence of a deliberate terror act involving high-grade explosives, prompting the use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to enable broader investigative powers.
2. How many casualties were reported in the Red Fort explosion?
At least eight people were killed and over a dozen injured. Several remain hospitalized in critical condition.
3. Who is investigating the case now?
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell are jointly leading the probe, assisted by the Intelligence Bureau and international partners.
4. What are the suspected materials used in the blast?
Forensic tests confirmed traces of RDX and ammonium nitrate, commonly used in improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
5. Has any group claimed responsibility for the Delhi blast?
As of now, no organization has claimed responsibility. Authorities are investigating multiple angles, including local facilitation and foreign coordination.
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