8 people died in a car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi. Police have discovered the 11-hour route map of the car from Faridabad. Initial investigation suspects suicide attack and CCTV footage and mobile data are being analyzed.
New Delhi: Delhi Police on Tuesday discovered the 11-hour route map of the Hyundai i20 car in which the blast took place near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening.
At least 8 people lost their lives in the car blast, while many others were injured. During investigation, it was revealed that the car had left for Red Fort from Faridabad 11 hours ago and had passed through many places during the journey.
The car started from Faridabad’s Asian Hospital and reached Red Fort in 11 hours.
CCTV footage revealed that the car was first seen outside Asian Hospital in Faridabad around 7:30 am on Monday. At 8:13 am, the car crossed the Badarpur toll plaza and entered Delhi; Meanwhile, at 8:20 am it was seen near a petrol pump near Okhla Industrial Area. At 3:19 pm the car entered the parking area near the Red Fort complex, where it remained parked for about three hours. At 6:22 pm the car left the parking lot and moved towards the Red Fort. Just 24 minutes after departure, at 6:52 pm, a massive explosion occurred inside the moving car. In a latest development, Delhi Police sources on Tuesday said initial investigation suggests that the massive blast near the Red Fort complex could be a suicide attack.
Blast plan made after Faridabad module exposed
According to preliminary investigation, investigators believe that the suspect intended to cause a blast. Sources said that as soon as the suspect learned that the Faridabad module had been busted, he allegedly planned to carry out a fidayeen-style operation to harm as many people as possible and evade police capture. Investigators are also probing whether the actual target of the attack was somewhere else as the car was moving slowly. The investigators are investigating from all possible angles. It is worth noting that Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana Police had recovered 360 kg of explosive material and ammunition from Faridabad, Haryana in the early hours of Monday and arrested two people named Dr. Muzammil and Adil Rather in this case.
Delhi Police is scanning 100 CCTVs
Delhi Police has achieved significant success in the investigation of the blast that took place near the Red Fort area, in which the analysis of CCTV footage and dump data has emerged as important clues. Investigators have traced the movements of the suspicious vehicle and are now examining possible communication links established before and after the blast. According to officials, CCTV footage shows the suspicious car entering and exiting the Red Fort parking area shortly before the blast. The driver is seen alone in the footage. The road leading to Daryaganj is now being examined, and over 100 CCTV clips, including footage from nearby toll plazas, are being examined to trace the entire movement of the vehicle.
IPDR will reveal the conversation on last call
Officials said the data could help identify numbers linked to the car blasts, revealing conversations between the suspects and their possible accomplices. An official said dump data of the Red Fort parking area and surrounding areas has been obtained as the occupants of the car may have contacted others before or after the incident. Investigators have also expanded the scope of analysis to Faridabad, where the dump data is being used to trace communication patterns between people potentially connected to the incident. IPDR (Internet Protocol Detail Record) analysis is being conducted to track devices that were deactivated shortly after the blast, potentially indicating deliberate efforts to avoid detection.
Eight people were killed and several were injured in the blast that took place near the historic Red Fort complex, causing panic in the area and a massive security operation was launched. Teams from the Special Cell, Crime Branch and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) were deployed while the area was sealed and visitors evacuated. Sources said investigating agencies are closely monitoring social media activities after the blast and have started extensive technical analysis of communication records. The data of all mobile phones active around the Red Fort complex at the time of the blast is being examined.