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Delhi car blast probed for terror links amid Kashmir arrests
Indian investigators are examining potential ties between Monday's deadly car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort and recent arrests in Kashmir, as well as a massive explosives seizure in a Delhi suburb, officials told the BBC on Thursday.
The blast, which killed eight people three days ago, has been labeled a "heinous terror incident" by India's federal cabinet, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vow to bring "conspirators" to justice. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah-who oversees internal security-reiterated the pledge, with Shah directing authorities to "hunt down each culprit."
Anti-terror laws invoked as NIA takes charge
Police have filed charges under India's stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), alongside explosives and criminal statutes. The case has been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the country's premier counter-terrorism unit, though neither the NIA nor police have held an official briefing.
Unverified media reports, citing anonymous sources, have fueled speculation-particularly around a viral photo of a man alleged to be the car's driver. Reports claim he circled Delhi for hours before parking near the blast site, but authorities have not confirmed these details.
Kashmir arrests and Faridabad explosives seizure under scrutiny
Hours before the explosion, Jammu and Kashmir police announced the arrest of seven men-including two doctors-from Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Officers reported seizing two automatic rifles and 2,900kg of bomb-making materials in Faridabad, a Delhi satellite city. The police statement described a "white-collar terror ecosystem" and hinted at further arrests.
The NIA told the BBC it is reviewing "voluminous documents" but declined to comment on specific links between the arrests, the Faridabad haul, and the Delhi blast. Investigators are also probing whether the Hyundai i20-identified by Home Minister Shah as the exploded vehicle-was connected to the detained suspects or the seized explosives.
Unanswered questions as Red Fort remains closed
Key details remain unclear, including the car's ownership and the cause of the explosion. The blast occurred at 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT) when the vehicle, described as slow-moving, ignited at a crowded traffic signal. Footage showed the charred remains of the white Hyundai, along with destroyed autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws.
The historic Red Fort, adjacent to the explosion site, remains closed as the investigation continues. Authorities have not disclosed whether the vehicle was parked or in motion when it detonated, nor have they confirmed the identity of the alleged driver circulating in media reports.
Official silence fuels speculation
Despite high-level political statements, neither the NIA nor Delhi Police have provided formal updates. The lack of official communication has led to a surge in unverified claims across Indian media, including theories about the driver's movements and potential motives. The NIA emphasized the probe is in its "early stages" but declined to address specific allegations.
"The conspirators will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
