A series of arrests across Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir—followed hours later by a car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort—has raised questions about whether the incidents are connected. While no official link has been confirmed, the developments have triggered major security alerts across multiple states.
High-Intensity Blast Near Red Fort
On Monday evening, a white Hyundai i20 car with Haryana registration plates (HR26 CE 7674) exploded near the Subhash Marg traffic signal at Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station. The blast killed nine people and left at least 20 injured. Multiple vehicles parked nearby were also damaged.
Home Minister Amit Shah visited the incident site and confirmed that a comprehensive investigation has been launched with teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the National Security Guard (NSG), forensic experts, and Delhi Police’s Special Cell.
“We are examining all angles and conducting a detailed investigation,” he said, refraining from speculating on possible motives or links.
Three Arrests Across Three States Before the Blast
Within a 24-hour period before the Red Fort incident, three men—two doctors and one former medical college employee—were arrested in Gujarat, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in separate anti-terror operations. These arrests revealed recovery of weapons, explosives, and suspected radical links.
1. Doctor Arrested in Gujarat With Ricin-Related Substances
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed from Adalaj near Gandhinagar on Sunday. Authorities recovered:
- Three pistols (two Glocks and one Beretta)
- Ammunition
- Four litres of castor oil — a substance that can be used to produce ricin
Preliminary investigation suggests the arrested doctor may have been researching methods to develop toxic agents with possible intentions of targeting major cities, including Delhi, Lucknow, or Ahmedabad. Gujarat ATS sources stated that initial evidence pointed to radicalisation and attempted recruitment.
2. Nearly 3,000 kg of Explosive Materials Seized in Faridabad
Almost simultaneously, a J&K Police team raided two residences in Faridabad linked to Dr. Mujammil Shakeel. Officers recovered:
- Approx. 2,900 kg of explosive components
- 350 kg of ammonium nitrate
- Detonators
- Two assault rifles and ammunition
Shakeel, associated with Al-Falah Hospital in Faridabad, was later interrogated for suspected involvement in activities linked to banned extremist groups.
3. Arrest in Uttar Pradesh Over Extremist Posters
In a separate operation, J&K Police arrested Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, after CCTV footage allegedly showed him placing posters praising banned Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed in Nowgam, Kashmir.
During further investigation, police recovered an assault rifle and ammunition from a locker assigned to Rather at the Government Medical College in Anantnag, where he previously worked.
Another individual, Shaheen Shahid, was also detained for reportedly allowing storage of illegal weapons in her vehicle.
Possible Kashmir Link Under Probe
Authorities are also verifying whether the Red Fort blast car had any connection to a Kashmir-based individual. Preliminary checks show one of the previous owners of the car hailed from Pulwama district in Jammu & Kashmir. However, officials cautioned that car ownership transfers often go unrecorded in India, making it too early to draw conclusions.
Security Heightened Across Multiple States
In view of the blast and recent arrests, security has been stepped up across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and border areas adjoining Nepal. With a state election scheduled in Bihar, additional forces have been deployed as a precautionary measure.
No Confirmed Link Yet
At present, authorities have not officially connected the Red Fort explosion to the earlier arrests or seizures. Investigators are treating each case independently while also analyzing any potential linkages.
For now, agencies are urging caution and patience until forensic reports, digital evidence, and interrogation findings provide a clearer picture.