New Delhi: The Delhi Police, in coordination with Gurugram Police, have detained the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the deadly explosion near the Red Fort on Monday evening. The blast killed at least eight people and left more than 20 injured, while multiple vehicles caught fire in the busy area.
The detained individual has been identified as Mohammed Salman, a resident of Gurugram in Haryana. According to officials, Salman had originally owned the Hyundai i20 in which the explosion occurred, but had sold it to a man named Devendra in Delhi’s Okhla locality. The vehicle reportedly changed hands at least once more, eventually reaching a person in Ambala. Police teams are now tracking each individual involved in the vehicle’s chain of transfer.
“A joint team detained Salman for questioning. The car was still registered in his name and carried a Haryana number plate. He claims to have sold the vehicle some time ago. Our teams are tracing all the subsequent owners,” a senior police officer said.
The explosion took place when the car was in motion near the historic Red Fort. Three individuals were reportedly inside the vehicle at the time of the blast. Police sources noted that no shrapnel or pellet injuries have been found on the wounded — an uncommon observation in typical bomb-related incidents. Investigators are therefore examining multiple possible causes of the explosion, including mechanical failure, chemical ignition, or a targeted act.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that the vehicle had occupants but refrained from suggesting any definitive cause of the blast while investigation is underway.
Following the incident, Delhi has been placed on high alert. Security has been tightened across the capital, particularly at border entry points, where vehicle checks have been intensified.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as flames engulfed nearby vehicles and commuters fled the area in panic.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital. The identities of the deceased and the occupants of the car are yet to be officially released.
Authorities said all possible angles — technical, criminal, and terror-related — are being thoroughly examined. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.
