Days after a car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort claimed at least 10 lives and injured over 20 others, the Central government has officially declared the tragedy a terror incident.
As investigations progress, officials have revealed five new developments shedding light on the network behind the attack.
1. Centre Confirms Red Fort Blast Was a ‘Terror Incident’
An FIR was filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act soon after the incident. On Wednesday, the Centre confirmed that national agencies are treating the Red Fort explosion as a terrorist attack.
“The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident near the Red Fort on November 10, 2025,” stated a government release after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting.
The statement reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism in all its forms.
2. Planned Attack or Panic Explosion?
Investigators are examining whether the blast was premeditated or triggered accidentally during a panic situation.
Preliminary inputs suggest that the explosion may have occurred as police moved in to bust a Faridabad-based terror module, allegedly linked to the Red Fort suspect, Dr Umar Un Nabi.
3. Telegram Chats Reveal ‘Clear Jaish Angle’
Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir Police have reportedly uncovered encrypted Telegram chats between the arrested suspects and handlers affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
“An initial analysis of the suspects’ digital devices shows that they were in contact with Jaish handlers in Pakistan through the Telegram app,” a senior official told Hindustan Times.
Following the arrest of Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie, investigators found evidence suggesting coordination between multiple highly qualified individuals radicalized online.
4. Arrested Doctor’s Ex-Husband Speaks Out
Dr Shaheen Shahid, one of the arrested suspects, had separated from her husband years ago. Her ex-husband, Dr Zafar Hayat, an ophthalmologist at KPM Hospital, Kanpur, said he was shocked by the allegations.
“We married in 2003 and divorced in 2015. She once wanted us to move abroad, but I never imagined her life would take this turn,” Hayat said.
5. Turkey Visit in 2022 Under Scrutiny
Investigators have also confirmed that Dr Umar Nabi and Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie traveled to Turkey in 2022. Authorities believe that the two might have met with their handlers abroad during the trip.
While the details of this visit remain under investigation, intelligence agencies are examining whether the meeting was part of a broader terror network operation.
Background
The November 10 blast outside the Red Fort involved a white Hyundai i20, with forensic teams confirming the driver’s identity as Dr Umar Un Nabi through DNA testing. Police are now tracking other suspects connected to the Faridabad module, which was allegedly stockpiling explosives and weapons.
