By Manisha Sahu | America News World | November 11, 2025
https://youtu.be/ox4BdtwJyug?si=aEDH5vEkPKHmpsu9
( above video credit goes to @TheIndianExpress)
The Indian government on Tuesday transferred the investigation into the Red Fort blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after a high-level security review led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The explosion, which rocked the area near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening, left at least 13 people dead and dozens injured, sending shockwaves through the national capital on the eve of the festive season.
According to officials, the decision to hand over the probe to India’s top counterterrorism agency was taken after assessing the gravity of the attack and the possible involvement of organized terror networks. The move underscores the seriousness with which the Centre views the incident, given the Red Fort’s symbolic importance as a national monument and the potential national security implications of the blast.
High-Level Meeting at Amit Shah’s Residence
Amit Shah convened an emergency meeting at his residence on Tuesday morning to review the situation. The meeting, which began around 11 a.m., was attended by top security officials, including Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Deka, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, and NIA Director-General Dinkar Gupta.
The Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir joined the discussion virtually, given emerging leads that may link the case to individuals or groups operating from the Union Territory.
Following the meeting, Shah stated that the investigating agencies were exploring all possible angles and that no theory would be ruled out until forensic and intelligence inputs were fully analyzed. “It is difficult to determine the cause of the incident at this stage. We will not draw any conclusions until samples from the site are examined by experts,” Shah said.
He also emphasized that the Centre would provide all necessary support to ensure a transparent and comprehensive investigation. “Those behind this attack will be identified and brought to justice,” he added.
Explosion Near Iconic Landmark
The blast occurred near one of India’s most iconic heritage sites — the Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as a symbol of India’s sovereignty and cultural identity.
Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by chaos as debris scattered across the nearby market area, which was crowded with evening shoppers. Emergency services and forensic teams rushed to the scene within minutes.
Authorities cordoned off the area and diverted traffic, while bomb disposal units and sniffer dogs searched for additional explosives. Preliminary investigations suggested that the explosion may have involved improvised explosive materials, but officials have not confirmed whether it was a terrorist attack or an industrial accident.
“The intensity of the explosion suggests a high-yield device, but it’s too early to make any definitive statements,” a senior Delhi Police officer said.
Possible Links Beyond Delhi
Adding to the complexity of the case, investigators discovered potential links between the Red Fort explosion and a police operation in Uttar Pradesh’s Faridabad district, where the Jammu and Kashmir Police seized 358 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate from a rented house in Dhauj village. The chemical is commonly used in mining and construction but has also been used in previous bomb-making incidents in India.
A senior intelligence source said that the Faridabad seizure may be connected to the same network responsible for the Delhi blast. “The material found in Dhauj village is under forensic examination. We are comparing its chemical composition with the residue collected from the blast site near Red Fort,” the official said.
Investigators believe the suspects may have used multiple safe houses across northern India to store and assemble explosive materials. The NIA’s anti-terror units have now been tasked with tracing the supply chain, the financial backers, and any cross-border connections that might exist.
A Symbolic Target
The Red Fort has been a frequent target of extremist groups in the past. The most infamous attack occurred in December 2000, when militants belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out an assault that killed three security personnel. The site’s proximity to central government offices and its symbolic role in India’s Independence Day celebrations make it a high-profile target for those seeking to make a political or ideological statement.
Security experts noted that the timing of the latest blast, coming just ahead of the Diwali festival, may have been intended to create panic and undermine public confidence in security agencies.
“This attack seems designed to send a message rather than cause maximum casualties,” said retired IPS officer Ved Marwah, a veteran counterterrorism analyst. “The NIA’s involvement signals that the government is treating it as a national security issue, not just a local crime.”
NIA Steps In
The National Investigation Agency, established in 2008 after the Mumbai terror attacks, is India’s primary counterterrorism body. It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs and has jurisdiction to investigate cases with national or transnational terror links. The agency will now take over all forensic evidence, witness statements, and digital data collected by the Delhi Police’s Special Cell.
An NIA spokesperson confirmed that a team of senior investigators has been dispatched to the capital. “The agency has formally registered a case under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Substances Act. Forensic experts from the NIA and the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) are analyzing samples from the site,” the spokesperson said.
Security Tightened Across Delhi
In response to the blast, Delhi Police have stepped up security around key government installations, metro stations, and public places. The National Capital Region (NCR) has been placed on high alert, with police in neighboring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh conducting checks at hotels, transport hubs, and warehouses.
Officials also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. “We are not taking any chances,” said a senior police officer. “Our teams are working round the clock with central agencies to ensure the city’s safety.”
Political and Public Reactions
Opposition parties expressed condolences to the victims’ families while calling for accountability. The Congress party urged the government to release a preliminary report on security lapses, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs Delhi, demanded enhanced coordination between central and state agencies.
Social media platforms were flooded with messages of solidarity and demands for justice. Hashtags such as #RedFortBlast and #PrayForDelhi trended throughout Tuesday, with citizens urging calm and unity.
As the NIA takes charge of the probe, the investigation will now focus on identifying the perpetrators and their motives. Whether the blast was part of a larger terror conspiracy or a standalone act remains to be seen.
For now, Delhi mourns its dead, and India watches closely as investigators piece together the puzzle behind yet another attack on one of the nation’s most cherished landmarks.