In a major disclosure, Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that around 40 kilograms of explosives were used in the deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort in November. He made this revelation while addressing the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025, organized by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday.
What was the Scale of the Thwarted Threat?
Shah provided a chilling assessment of the averted disaster. He informed that security agencies had successfully recovered a staggering 3 tonnes of explosives before they could be detonated. The Home Minister praised the investigative teams for apprehending the entire conspiracy team before the Delhi blast could be executed. This highlights a significant pre-emptive operation by security forces.
Unraveling the Red Fort Blast Case
The blast, which killed at least 13 people, occurred near the Subhash Marg traffic signal. It involved a Hyundai i20 car that exploded. The NIA’s investigation into this case continues actively. On the same day as Shah’s address, a special court extended the custody of two key accused. To date, nine individuals linked to Dr. Umar-un-Nabi, who was driving the explosive-laden car, have been arrested.
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A New “Zero-Terror” Policy and Databases
At the conference, attended by top police and agency officers, Amit Shah unveiled the NIA’s updated crime manual and two crucial databases. These are the Organised Crime Network Database and the Weapons Database for lost, looted, and recovered arms. Shah described these tools as a “core asset” of India’s evolving zero-terror policy.
The Nexus Between Crime and Terror
The Home Minister outlined a critical security concern. He explained the dangerous link between organised crime networks and terrorism. According to Shah, such networks often start with ransom and extortion. However, when their leaders flee abroad, they frequently connect with terrorist organizations. The illicit profits from crime are then used to fund and spread terrorism within the country.
Launching a ‘360-Degree Assault’
Amit Shah declared that the government would conduct a “360-degree assault on organized crime” in order to combat this complicated challenge. This all-encompassing approach seeks to address every aspect of the terrorist ecosystem, including financing and logistics. The newly launched databases are designed to be central to this intensified crackdown.
Immediate Important FAQs
Q: How much explosive was used in the Red Fort blast?
A: Home Minister Amit Shah stated that approximately 40 kilograms of explosives were used in the blast.
Q: Was a larger attack prevented?
A: Yes. Shah revealed that security agencies recovered 3 tonnes of explosives before they could detonate, arresting the entire conspiracy team beforehand.
Q: What is the connection between organised crime and terrorism?
A: Shah explained that crime networks generating money through extortion often link with terror groups abroad, using their illicit profits to fund terrorism in India.
Q: What new measures were announced?
A: As part of a zero-terror strategy, the government unveiled two new databases (Organised Crime and Weapons) and intends to start a “360-degree attack” on organized crime.
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