Slow-moving traffic, then big explosion at red light: CCTV captures chilling Delhi blast moment

The 15-second footage, released on Wednesday, shows slow-moving traffic near the Red Fort Metro Station before a sudden fireball engulfs the area—believed to have originated from a Hyundai i20 that investigators say was packed with explosives.

The blast, which occurred around 6:51 pm on Monday, destroyed multiple vehicles and sent shockwaves across the capital.

The footage has now become a crucial piece of evidence for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which has officially taken over the case.

Moment of the blast

The CCTV footage shows a congested road with vehicles crawling through evening traffic near one of Delhi’s busiest heritage zones.

Within moments, a massive explosion erupts from the i20, creating a huge fireball and scattering debris across the street.

According to forensic experts, the intensity of the explosion suggests the use of high-grade explosives, far more powerful than standard ammonium nitrate-based bombs.

Initial analysis points to the use of ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil)—a powerful explosive compound often used in large-scale attacks.

Investigators suspect that the blast was manually triggered, making it a possible suicide bombing.

‘White-collar’ terror network

The NIA has identified the attack as part of a broader terror conspiracy involving the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, operating through a sophisticated “white-collar” network of radicalised professionals.

The terror module reportedly spanned Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, with operatives using their professional status to evade suspicion.

Hours before the Red Fort blast, Delhi Police and central agencies had arrested eight suspects, including three doctors, and seized 2,900 kilograms of explosives—one of the largest recoveries in recent memory.

Doctors-turned-terror operatives

Among those arrested are Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, both associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad—a private institution recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Investigators recovered 360 kilograms of ammonium nitrate from the university premises.

The alleged suicide bomber, Dr Umar Mohammad, also had ties to Al-Falah University and was reportedly driving the Hyundai i20 that exploded near Red Fort.

Sources say Umar and Ganaie had conducted reconnaissance of the Red Fort area several times before the attack.

Investigators have also revealed that the group initially planned to strike during Diwali to maximise casualties but failed to execute the plan.

They later shifted focus toward Republic Day, aiming to target large public gatherings and high-security events.

Explosives and execution

According to NIA sources, the Hyundai i20 was loaded with a large quantity of ANFO, sealed with additional high-impact materials to amplify the blast radius.

The detonator is suspected to have been manually triggered, confirming the bomber’s intent to die in the explosion.

Samples collected from the site suggest the possible use of military-grade explosive compounds, making the blast deadlier than initial estimates.

Forensic teams are now analysing residue from the scene to confirm the chemical composition of the bomb.

Security on high alert across Delhi

Following the attack, the Delhi Police has been placed on maximum alert. Intensive checking drives are underway at all major entry and exit points of the city, including Delhi-Gurugram, Noida, and Faridabad borders.

Police personnel and paramilitary forces have been deployed in large numbers, and vehicles entering or leaving Delhi are being thoroughly checked.

Security has also been strengthened at metro stations, religious sites, and major tourist hubs such as India Gate and Connaught Place.

A senior police officer said that “every possible lead is being pursued,” and additional intelligence inputs are being coordinated with the NIA, Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Delhi Police Special Cell.

A chilling reminder of 26/11

The Red Fort blast and the details emerging from the investigation point to an attempt to recreate a 26/11-style coordinated attack in the national capital.

The use of educated professionals, cross-state operations, and massive explosive stockpiles marks a dangerous evolution in the methods used by terrorist outfits.

As the NIA deepens its investigation, forensic teams, counterterror experts, and cyber intelligence units are working to trace the funding, recruitment, and communication networks of the JeM-linked cell.