New Delhi: Security and intelligence agencies are conducting an extensive manhunt for a third car linked to the Red Fort blast, which killed 13 people and injured 30 others earlier this week. Investigators believe the missing vehicle — suspected to be a Maruti Brezza — may have been used by the suspects for reconnaissance or as a getaway car, senior officials said on Thursday.
The probe so far has identified two vehicles: the white Hyundai i20 that exploded near the Red Fort on Monday evening and a red Ford EcoSport that was traced to Faridabad during follow-up operations. However, the third car has yet to be located, prompting a large-scale search across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
“The Brezza is a critical lead in the investigation. It may have been used either for scouting the area before the blast or for facilitating the escape of accomplices,” said an official familiar with the ongoing probe. “Multiple teams have been dispatched to track its movements.”
Heightened Security Around Red Fort
In the wake of the explosion, security has been tightened around the Red Fort complex and surrounding areas, which remain sealed off as forensic teams continue to collect evidence. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that the Lal Quila metro station would remain closed “till further notice” due to security concerns.
Large portions of the Old Delhi area have been cordoned off, with police maintaining round-the-clock deployment and traffic diversions in place. Drones are being used for aerial monitoring, while anti-sabotage checks are being conducted in nearby parking zones.
Death Toll Climbs to 13
Officials confirmed that the death toll rose to 13 after another injured victim, identified as Bilal, succumbed to his injuries at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital early Thursday morning. A post-mortem examination is scheduled later in the day.
“We received information from LNJP Hospital that one of the injured persons has passed away,” said a Delhi Police spokesperson. “Several others remain under treatment, some in critical condition.”
Investigation Broadens
The explosion, which investigators have linked to a ‘white-collar’ terror module with alleged ties to Pakistan-based groups, remains under probe by multiple agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police’s Special Cell.
Sources said forensic analysis of the debris from the Hyundai i20 indicates the use of ammonium nitrate and potassium chlorate, consistent with materials seized during earlier raids tied to the module.
Investigators are now piecing together the movement of all three vehicles in the days leading up to the attack, using CCTV footage, toll records, and cell tower data. The discovery of the third car, officials believe, could be key to identifying additional operatives still at large.
Public Advised to Stay Alert
Authorities have urged citizens in the Delhi-NCR region to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or abandoned vehicles to police. “Every lead matters at this stage. We are confident the missing car will be located soon,” an officer said.
With the investigation expanding across state lines and the security perimeter around Red Fort still sealed, Delhi continues to remain on high alert, as the nation mourns the victims of one of its most devastating recent terror incidents.
