Fresh CCTV visuals have surfaced in connection with the deadly car explosion that occurred near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening, claiming nine lives and leaving more than 20 injured. The footage shows a white Hyundai i20, registered as HR 26CE 7674, parked in a nearby lot for over two hours before the explosion.

Suspect Identified as Umar

Investigators believe the car was driven by Umar, who has been on the run in connection with an explosives case in Faridabad. The CCTV clip reportedly shows him entering the parking area, wearing a blue-and-black T-shirt with one hand resting on the window.

Explosion During Peak Rush Hour

The blast occurred around 6:52 pm at Subhash Marg near the Red Fort Metro Station, one of Delhi’s busiest traffic zones. The explosion triggered a massive chain reaction, setting off multiple vehicles in flames — including five cars, four motorcycles, and three e-rickshaws. Eyewitnesses described the impact as “earth-shattering,” with windows breaking as far as 500 meters away near Sis Ganj Gurdwara.

Rescue and Investigation

Emergency services responded within minutes, dispatching seven fire engines to control the blaze after a two-hour battle. Delhi Police, the NIA, and forensic teams quickly cordoned off the area for investigation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that specialized units were on the ground within ten minutes of the blast and assured a full-scale probe.

Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the explosion occurred when the car halted at a traffic signal. “Several nearby vehicles were damaged, and casualties have been reported. All agencies are coordinating closely,” he added.

Links to Faridabad Explosives Case

Preliminary investigations suggest a possible link to a foiled terror operation in Faridabad earlier the same day, where a stockpile of explosives was seized. Officials are now reviewing over 100 CCTV recordings, including footage from Delhi toll booths, to trace the car’s route toward Daryaganj.

The car is said to have been initially registered to a Gurgaon resident, later sold to a man from Pulwama named Tariq. Authorities are probing whether the transfer was part of a larger terror network.

Case Registered Under UAPA

A case has been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosives Act, and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at the Kotwali Police Station.

If confirmed as a terror attack, this marks Delhi’s first major bombing incident since the 2011 High Court blast.