Red Fort terror attack: The terror attack near the Lal Quila metro station occurred on Monday evening, just minutes after the “bomber” left the parking lot adjacent to the historic Red Fort in Delhi. Now, new details have emerged in the case, and suggest that the terror attack on Monday was the result of a calendar error.
Red Fort blast car was parked for three hours
According to a report by NDTV, Dr Umar Nabi drove the i20 car laden with explosives into the parking lot at 3:19 pm, apparently waiting for the crowd to swell before setting off the bomb. However, the footfall never picked up, because the Red Fort remains closed to visitors on Mondays.
Frustrated and panicked after learning about the arrest of his associates, Dr Nabi eventually left the parking lot around 6:38 pm and drove onto Netaji Subhash Marg, which runs between the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, NDTV reported. Moments later, the car exploded at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station, killing 13 people and injuring several others.
NDTV also reported that between entering the parking lot at 3:19 pm and leaving at 6:38 pm, he never stepped out of his vehicle or left it unattended. His phone had been switched off since October 31, with the last recorded location traced to Al-Falah University. Officials suspect he may have used a burner phone or was instructed to avoid communication to minimise the risk of detection.
There have been reports that he was following news coverage of a major explosives bust in Faridabad and the arrest of his associates. These developments likely panicked him and led him to detonate the car prematurely.
The University Dr Nabi was working at – Al-Falah – has distanced itself from the “white-collar” terror module, stating that the university was connected with the accused only in the official capacity.
According to PTI, Dr Nabi had originally planned the attack for December 6, to coincide with the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary. He and another key suspect, Dr Muzammil Ganai, reportedly met members of the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) during a visit to Turkiye in 2021. PTI further reported that Dr Ganai had conducted multiple reconnaissance visits around the Red Fort area earlier this year.
Red Fort attack a ‘terrorist incident’
The government tagged the attack as a “terrorist incident” after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. The Cabinet observed two minutes of silence in honour of the victims before adopting a formal resolution.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw read out the formal resolution. It stated, “The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion near the Red Fort on the evening of 10 November 2025. The explosion resulted in multiple fatalities and caused injuries to several others. The Cabinet unequivocally condemns this dastardly and cowardly act that has led to the loss of innocent lives.”
The Cabinet reaffirmed India’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism in all forms. “The Cabinet recorded its appreciation for the statements of solidarity and support from many Governments around the world. Their dedication and sense of duty are deeply commendable.”
The Cabinet directed that the investigation be conducted with utmost urgency to ensure that perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors are identified and brought to justice. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and well-being of all citizens.