New Delhi: The devastating car explosion near the iconic Red Fort metro station in Delhi on Monday evening is now confirmed as a "Fidayeen" (suicide) terror attack, according to Delhi Police investigations. The blast killed at least eight people and injured more than 20 others in one of the busiest and most crowded areas of the city.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect, Dr Mohammad Umar, a doctor from Pulwama in South Kashmir, who owned the Hyundai i20 that exploded, carried out the suicide bombing. The attack was reportedly triggered in panic after the arrest of two key members of the Faridabad terror module—Dr. Mujammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Rather—and the seizure of 2,900 kg of explosives in Faridabad over recent days. Officials believe the terror network had links to Pakistan-based groups Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwatul Hind.

The explosion occurred at approximately 6:52 pm near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort metro station when the slow-moving Hyundai i20 stopped at a traffic signal. Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage showed the masked driver moments before the blast, which set fire to nearby vehicles, including cars and rickshaws, leaving mangled bodies and pools of blood at the site. The fire was quickly controlled by Delhi Fire Services, deploying seven fire tenders.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha described the incident as a high-impact explosion that damaged multiple vehicles in the congested area near the historical monument. The authorities have lodged cases under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosives Act, and charges including murder and attempt to murder.

The multi-agency investigation is ongoing, involving the Delhi Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), Intelligence Bureau, and forensic teams. Security has been heightened across Delhi and neighbouring states, with particular vigilance around other important landmarks and transport hubs.

With inputs from ANI