Delhi Car Bomb: Man Arrested in Deadly Attack Near Red Fort, Suspect Linked to Indian Kashmir

Man Arrested in Deadly Delhi Car Bomb Attack Near Historic Red Fort

An arrest has been made in connection with the devastating car bomb attack that claimed eight lives and injured 20 others in Delhi last week. Authorities have confirmed the apprehension of a man, identified as a resident of Indian-administered Kashmir, whose vehicle was allegedly used in the deadly blast near the historic Red Fort.

Key Breakthrough in "Terrorist Incident" Investigation

The NIA stated that the car involved in the explosion, which the government has officially labelled a="terrorist incident," was registered under the suspect's name. He is now accused of conspiring with the individual believed to be the suicide bomber responsible for detonating the device.

Details of the Attack and Aftermath

The incident unfolded on Monday evening at approximately 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT). A slow-moving white Hyundai i20 reportedly stopped at a busy traffic signal close to a metro station before violently exploding. The blast, the first of its kind in the heavily guarded city since 2011, left a trail of destruction, including a charred white car and numerous other gutted vehicles like autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Eyewitnesses recounted the horror, with one describing "blood everywhere."

Political Reactions and Vows for Justice

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the act as a "conspiracy" and his administration vowed to ensure that the "perpetrators, their collaborators and their sponsors" face justice. Home Minister Shah swiftly confirmed the vehicle type hours after the incident. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his profound sadness, calling the news "extremely heartbreaking."

Extensive Ongoing Investigation

The ongoing investigation by the NIA is extensive. They have seized another vehicle believed to belong to the alleged suicide bomber for forensic examination and have questioned 73 witnesses, including some who were injured in the blast. Police are also exploring potential connections between this attack and recent arrests of seven men in Indian-administered Kashmir, as well as the significant seizure of 2,900kg of explosives from a Delhi suburb.

Significance of the Location

The Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal fortress, stands as one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks, attracting thousands of tourists daily and serving as the backdrop for India's annual Independence Day speeches. The attack's proximity to such a symbolic location underscores its gravity.