Delhi Blast: 200 Kg Ammonium Nitrate Still Missing In NCR, Hunt On For Sleeper Cell

Investigative agencies are searching for 200 kg of ammonium nitrate that is still present in the National Capital Region (NCR). This swift action follows the terrorist attack near Delhi's Red Fort.

A joint investigation by forensic and blast experts concluded that the terrorist, Dr Umar Nabi, used approximately 80 kg of ammonium nitrate to terrorise the nation.

This explosive was part of a larger cache. Of 3,200 kg of ammonium nitrate from Faridabad, 2,923 kg had been seized. Forensic analysis confirmed that the 80 kg ANFO mixture used in the car was part of the missing material. The major concern for agencies now is to find the remaining 200 kg and the sleeper cell that possesses it.

Analysis Of The Explosion

Forensic and blast experts based their conclusions on the quantity of explosives and the amount of booster used as a trigger.

Explosive Type: The report clearly states the explosive was an 80 kg ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) based IED.

Placement: The 80 kg mixture was spread evenly in the boot and on the rear seat of the car.

Detonator: It was detonated with a high-grade booster.

Blast Wave: The investigation estimated the blast wave to be equivalent to an explosion of 75 kg of Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), which is a key point of the inquiry.

Physical Evidence: The conclusion is confirmed by the 1.12-metre crater created by the blast wave, the direction of the vehicle's metal fragments, and chemical analysis of samples.

Expert Conclusions On Terrorist Capabilities

The investigation showed that the 'Improvised Explosive Device' (IED) was "assembled in a completely professional manner."

Technical Competence: This indicates that the terrorists involved in the operation were technically competent, as the slightest negligence could have been disastrous.

High-Grade Materials: Experts state that ANFO prepared in a 95:5 ratio is not ordinary. It is designed to produce a "fast and stable detonation."

Advanced Resources: The use of high-grade boosters indicates the group or individual employing them has access to both technical expertise and high-grade resources, and understands their application.

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Investigation's Next Steps

Following this information, the investigation is now proceeding in three main directions:

Who is running the explosives supply chain?

What larger network is this a part of?

Whether the GSM-based remote trigger was activated on someone's instructions or due to an accidental event.

The case is primarily being investigated by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), the NIA Forensic Wing, and the DRDO Blast-Material Unit. The investigation is being led by the NIA.

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