Red Fort Blast: Delhi Police recovered a severed forearm Thursday from a store roof in New Lajpat Rai Market, approximately 300 meters from the Red Fort blast site, three days after the car explosion that has now claimed 13 lives.
Red Fort Blast Latest Discovery
The recovered hand has been sent for forensic examination while police continue searching for other missing victims. The discovery underscores the explosion’s devastating force that scattered human remains across a wide area.
Explosive Analysis
Investigators confirmed high-grade explosives were used in the blast. Forensic Science Laboratory officials stated one explosive sample collected from the site is believed more powerful than ammonium nitrate.
The FSL team collected over 40 samples from the scene, including two cartridges, live ammunition, and explosive traces. Preliminary tests indicate at least one sample contained ammonium nitrate, an official said.
Victim Injuries
Initial post-mortem findings revealed victims suffered severe internal injuries, including ruptured lungs, eardrums, and intestines, along with multiple fractures consistent with a powerful blast’s impact. Several deaths resulted from excessive bleeding and blunt force trauma from the explosion’s shockwave.
Rising Death Toll
The death toll reached 13 Thursday after 35-year-old Bilal Hasan, who had been on ventilator at LNJP hospital, succumbed to injuries. Sources stated Hasan sustained multiple wounds to lungs and intestines from shrapnel. Three other patients remain critical in ICU.
Incident Details
Monday evening’s explosion occurred when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 stopped near Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station and went up in flames. Over 20 were injured in the incident.
Suspect Identification
DNA tests confirmed Dr. Umar Nabi, assistant professor at Al-Falah University in Faridabad, was driving the car that exploded. Investigators believe Dr. Umar detonated explosives in panic after learning his associates from a Faridabad-based terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed had been arrested.
Terror Network
Two associates, Dr. Muzammil and Dr. Shaheen, also worked at Al-Falah University and are suspected members of the same “white-collar” terror network. The arrest of Dr. Shakeel, from whose premises 2,900 kg of IED-making materials were seized, is believed to have triggered Umar’s desperate act.
The investigation continues expanding as authorities trace connections within the suspected terror module.
