The investigation into the Red Fort blast has intensified as security agencies continue to search for a third vehicle, a Maruti Brezza, suspected to be connected with the explosion. The blast, which took place near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, resulted in the deaths of 13 people and left 30 others injured.
According to officials, the incident occurred when a white Hyundai i20 suddenly exploded near one of the busiest areas in the national capital. The force of the explosion was so strong that several vehicles parked nearby were damaged, and glass from nearby buildings shattered.
As the investigation unfolded, police discovered that the Hyundai i20 was not the only car linked to the case. A second vehicle, a red Ford EcoSport, was later traced to Faridabad, raising suspicions of a larger network behind the blast. Now, investigators believe that a **third car—a Maruti Brezza—**is also connected to the suspects involved in the explosion. However, this vehicle remains untraced, and locating it has become the top priority for the investigating teams.
A senior Delhi Police officer confirmed that the search for the Brezza is currently underway across Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Teams from multiple agencies—including the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Intelligence Bureau (IB)—are working together to track down the missing vehicle.
Officials believe that this third car could hold crucial evidence, including details about the route taken by the suspects, possible storage of explosive materials, or communication devices. Surveillance camera footage from toll booths, fuel stations, and nearby highways is being reviewed to trace the car’s movement.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the blast rose to 13 after another injured person died at Delhi’s Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital on Thursday morning. The deceased has been identified as Bilal, who had sustained severe burns and multiple injuries during the explosion.
According to hospital officials, Bilal was among the most critically injured victims and had been under intensive care since the day of the blast. Despite doctors’ efforts, he succumbed to his injuries early Thursday. Police said that a post-mortem will be conducted later in the day to confirm the cause of death.
The Red Fort blast has left the city in shock. Authorities have tightened security in and around Delhi, particularly near heritage sites, public places, and transport hubs. Security checks have been intensified at metro stations, railway stations, and major highways leading into the capital. Sniffer dogs, bomb disposal squads, and anti-sabotage teams have been deployed to prevent any further incidents.
Police officials have also appealed to the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity or abandoned vehicles immediately. They have requested cooperation as security personnel carry out checks in residential areas and commercial zones.
The blast, which occurred around 6:30 pm near the Red Fort’s Netaji Subhash Marg, is believed to have been caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) placed inside the car. Forensic experts and bomb squad officers collected evidence from the site, including fragments of the vehicle, explosive residue, and metallic parts. Preliminary analysis suggests that the explosive material used was of high intensity and may have been detonated remotely.
Investigators are now working to identify the person or group responsible for planting the explosive. The Special Cell of Delhi Police suspects the involvement of an organised module, possibly with links to extremist groups. The NIA, which has also joined the investigation, is examining whether the blast was part of a larger terror plot aimed at disrupting peace in the national capital.
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The discovery of the second vehicle—the Ford EcoSport—has given investigators some vital clues. The car was found abandoned in Faridabad, about 30 kilometres from Delhi. According to sources, forensic teams have recovered some fingerprints and electronic devices from inside the car, which are now being analysed for leads. The registration details of the vehicle are being cross-checked to determine whether it was stolen or rented under a fake identity.
The search for the Maruti Brezza has now become crucial. Authorities suspect that it may have been used by the suspects to flee the city after the explosion. Tracking this car could help investigators locate those involved and uncover the broader network behind the attack.
Following the blast, security agencies across the National Capital Region have been placed on high alert. Senior officials from Delhi Police and the Home Ministry have held several review meetings to assess the situation. Additional barricades have been set up near government buildings, tourist spots, and crowded marketplaces.
Police patrolling has been increased, and plainclothes officers are monitoring key locations. Drone surveillance has also been introduced in some areas to detect unusual movements.
Residents of the Red Fort area and nearby localities have expressed fear and concern, urging authorities to strengthen safety measures. Many locals said that the blast has brought back memories of earlier terror attacks in Delhi, reminding everyone of the need for constant vigilance.
Officials assured the public that the investigation is moving quickly and that every lead is being followed. They said that tracing the missing Maruti Brezza is expected to provide a breakthrough in understanding the sequence of events leading up to the explosion.
As Delhi mourns the loss of innocent lives, the focus remains firmly on bringing those responsible to justice. The coordinated efforts of the Delhi Police, NIA, and other security agencies aim to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
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