Red Fort Car Blast: PM Modi Vows Strictest Action as Multi-Agency Probe Scours Phone Data

A powerful car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening has left the capital reeling. The blast killed 12 people and injured several others, prompting shock, grief and an urgent law-and-order response. Speaking from Thimphu, Bhutan, where he was on a two-day state visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families and promised that those responsible would face the “strictest action.” His comments underscored the gravity of the incident and the government’s determination to see a full investigation through to its conclusion.

PM Modi: “Heavy Heart” and Personal Oversight

Addressing reporters and dignitaries during his visit, Mr. Modi said, “A tragic incident took place in Delhi. I can understand the pain of the families who lost their loved ones.” He described arriving in Bhutan “with a heavy heart” and said he had been personally monitoring developments since the blast. The Prime Minister added that he had been in touch with the agencies handling the case and that the government would ensure justice for the victims.

Investigation Launched Under UAPA and Explosives Act

Investigative agencies have opened a multi-agency probe into the explosion, invoking severe statutes including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act. The use of these laws signals that authorities are treating the event as more than an accident and are exploring the possibility of unlawful or terror-linked activity. Multiple central and local units are coordinating evidence collection and intelligence analysis to establish motive, method and culpability.

Forensics Focus: Phone Dump Data and Social Media Scrutiny

One of the immediate technical lines of inquiry has been digital forensics. According to Delhi Police sources cited by IANS, teams are collecting dump data—that is, logs of mobile phones operating in and around the Red Fort—hoping to identify patterns of communication and locate devices that were in the parking area before the blast. Investigators believe those inside the vehicle may have exchanged calls or messages prior to the detonation, so call records from the Red Fort parking zone and adjacent areas have become critical.

Authorities are also analysing dump data from Faridabad, looking for links between phones in the two locations that might reveal coordination or a wider network. Simultaneously, social-media monitoring teams are trawling posts, images and videos for timestamps, eyewitness accounts, suspicious uploads and any material that could provide leads. The combined digital effort aims to reconstruct movements and interactions in the hours surrounding the explosion.

The Vehicle Trace: Second-Hand Hyundai i20 From Faridabad

A key physical lead emerged when investigators traced the car used in the explosion to a Hyundai i20 sold by a second-hand car dealer in Sector 37, Faridabad (Haryana). Forensic teams are analysing the vehicle’s ownership trail, registration papers, previous owners and any forensic evidence recovered from the wreckage. Tracing how the vehicle changed hands and who had access to it in the days before the blast is a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Impact on the City — Unpaid Tribute and Ongoing Disruptions

Beyond the immediate human toll, the blast has disrupted life in the national capital. Security agencies have heightened alert levels at major public monuments and transit hubs. Families of the deceased and injured are receiving assistance, while local authorities have set up channels for information and support. The emotional impact is being felt across communities and among the many visitors and devotees who frequent the Red Fort area.

Diplomatic Context — Modi’s Bhutan Visit and National Solidarity

Prime Minister Modi’s presence in Thimphu—where he was received by Bhutanese leaders and was scheduled to participate in religious and cultural events—added a diplomatic dimension to his response. Mr. Modi’s remarks from abroad, his pledge to bring those responsible to justice, and his assurances that the nation stands with the affected families were intended to project both compassion and resolve at home and reassurance to international partners.

The PM’s itinerary in Bhutan included participation in the Global Peace Prayer Festival and ceremonial observances linked to the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha, a backdrop that contrasted starkly with the violent events unfolding back in the Indian capital.

What Authorities Are Looking For Next

Investigators have outlined a multi-pronged strategy:

• Forensic analysis of the vehicle wreckage and any explosive residues to determine the device and triggering mechanism.
  
  
• Tracing ownership and movement of the Hyundai i20 through dealer records, CCTV footage and witness statements.
  
  
• Digital mapping of communications by analysing call dumps, mobile-tower pings and social media footprints to identify suspects or co-conspirators.
  
  
• Interviews and ground enquiries in adjacent localities, including Faridabad, to establish who might have procured parts, resources or logistical help.

Officials have indicated that the probe will be exhaustive and that inter-agency cooperation is being prioritised to accelerate results.

The Government’s Message — Justice and Accountability

The strongest political message so far has been zero tolerance. Prime Minister Modi reiterated that the agencies would “go to the bottom of the controversy” and that all responsible persons would be brought to justice. Defence and home-affairs portfolios have been in close contact with investigative teams, and public communications emphasise both vigilance and the need to avoid panic while enquiries proceed.