According to NDTV, investigators have detained three additional doctors from Faridabad’s Al-Falah University — Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, Dr. Umar Mohammed, and Dr. Shaheen Shahid, as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officially took over the probe into the Red Fort car explosion that killed at least nine and injured over 20.
All three were associated with Al-Falah University’s medical college and hospital, as per early reports.
Police sources told India Today that Dr. Muzammil is linked to the earlier Faridabad seizure of approximately 2,900 kg of explosive-making material, which was found in two rooms he had rented in a nearby locality. Authorities are verifying his tenancy and the chemical composition of the recovered materials.
Arms and ammunition were also recovered during follow-up searches linked to another suspect, Dr. Shaheen Shahid, who, according to NDTV, is being questioned regarding alleged contacts with individuals tied to proscribed terror outfits.
A senior professor at Al-Falah University recalled that Dr. Shaheen’s behaviour had long raised concerns: “She would often leave campus without informing anyone,” and several colleagues noted “unidentified visitors” meeting her in her office, according to NDTV.
Following the Faridabad explosives haul on November 9 — just a day before the blast, agencies now suspect that Dr. Umar Mohammed, a Pulwama native and close associate of Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, may have been driving the Hyundai i20 that exploded near the Red Fort. Investigators are probing whether it was a deliberate detonation or an accidental trigger, pending forensic confirmation.
Officials told India Today TV that CCTV footage shows the same vehicle parked near a Faridabad petrol pump days before the explosion and later crossing the Badarpur toll plaza en route to Delhi.
The first FSL report is expected soon. Preliminary analysis suggests that ammonium nitrate mixed with heavy metal powder and a remote triggering device was likely used in the explosion.
Police in Haryana’s Gurugram have arrested Mohd Salman, the original owner of the car bearing registration number HR26 CE 7674, according to India Today.
Salman told police he had sold the car to a Pulwama resident named Tariq.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle changed hands multiple times:
In March 2025, Salman sold the car to Devender.
On October 29, Devender sold it to Aamir.
Aamir later transferred it to Dr. Umar.
Tariq was reportedly aware of the exchange chain.
Both Aamir and Tariq are currently being questioned by Delhi Police and NIA teams.
Both Aamir and Tariq are currently being questioned by Delhi Police and NIA teams.
The picture of Dr. Umar Mohammad, the suspected driver of the vehicle, has surfaced. He was employed at Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad and hails from South Kashmir’s Pulwama, as reported by NDTV.
Two of his brothers have been detained for questioning, and investigators have seized multiple mobile phones during searches in Pulwama.
Authorities believe Dr. Umar acted alone inside the vehicle, though the investigation remains open on whether he detonated the explosive manually or remotely. The NIA has not yet confirmed this as a suicide bombing.
Police sources describe the group as part of a “white-collar terror module” — a network of radicalized professionals under investigation by the NIA and Delhi Police Special Cell, as per India Today.
The NIA has registered a case under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts are analysing samples from the blast site and from the bodies recovered to confirm whether the explosion was triggered from within the vehicle or remotely.
The blast occurred around 6:42 PM near the traffic signal close to Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station in the Chandni Chowk area. At least 10 people were killed and more than 30 injured after a high-intensity explosion ripped through a Hyundai i20 car, according to CNN.
Firefighters and emergency services rushed to the scene. Multiple casualties were taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, where fatalities were confirmed and injured patients received urgent care. Hospital officials stated that many victims were brought dead, while several remain critical.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited LNJP Hospital late Monday night. Gupta appealed to Delhiites to avoid rumours and maintain peace, assuring that authorities are working around the clock to ensure safety.
Home Minister Amit Shah said the vehicle involved was a Hyundai i20 and that investigators would probe all possible angles. Teams from the Delhi Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and forensic units are leading the investigation, as per INA.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation and was briefed by central and state officials.
Chandni Chowk market will remain closed on Tuesday as authorities continue investigations and security checks in the area.
The explosion occurred just one day after a separate counter-terror operation in Faridabad, Haryana, where police recovered a large quantity of suspected ammonium nitrate and arms from a rented house on November 9, 2025.
(Rh/VK/MSM)