- By Supratik Das
- Sun, 16 Nov 2025 12:51 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Delhi Red Fort blast: The investigation into the fatal car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort has taken a sudden turn, with forensic teams increasingly suspecting the presence of triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a dangerous explosive known worldwide as the "Mother of Satan." Officials cited by Jagran.com said residue samples collected from the blast site on November 10 showed "strong indicators" of TATP, though final confirmation from the laboratory is still awaited.
Forensic teams are analysing chemical residues recovered from the charred remains of the Hyundai i20 car that exploded on November 10, killing 13 people and injuring several. Three medical professionals from Al-Falah University, Shaheen Saeed, Muzammil Shakeel and Adil Rather, were arrested in connection with the blast. The Delhi Police and central agencies suspect that the group was planning a series of coordinated attacks across NCR.
During raids, nearly 3,000 kg of bomb-making materials, including various chemicals, were seized from properties linked to the suspects. A rifle and ammunition were recovered from Saeed’s vehicle, and her recent passport verification indicates she may have been planning to flee the country.
What Makes TATP So Deadly
TATP is a peroxide-based explosive created by mixing acetone, hydrogen peroxide, and strong acids. The base chemicals are widely available, but the actual compound is extremely volatile. A slight increase in temperature, impact shock, friction, or impurities can initiate an explosion without prior warning, and most critically, without a detonator.
Researchers describe TATP as a molecule held together by weak peroxide bonds that break apart in a violent manner, releasing a powerful shockwave. It looks like a white crystalline powder, but behaves like a ticking chemical time bomb. Its instability is precisely why bomb-makers refer to it as the “Mother of Satan.”
This makes TATP exceptionally difficult to transport or store. Any wrongful handling can lead to premature explosion, which is what agencies suspect happened in Delhi.
Why Terror Groups Prefer TATP
Despite its volatility, TATP has become one of the most widely used among terror networks because it is: simple yet alarming:
• Easy availability of precursor chemicals: Acetone, hydrogen peroxide, and acids are everyday items; hence, their procurement is less suspicious.
• Non-nitrogenous compound: TATP, unlike TNT or RDX, contains no nitrogen, helping it pass undetected through nitrogen-sniffer security systems at airports and metro stations.
• High destructive capability: The blast power of such a compound is about 80–90% that of TNT, which becomes lethal even with small quantities.
• Can be prepared in makeshift labs: Many terror modules make TATP in apartments, basements, or university rooms and do not need professional settings.
These advantages made TATP the explosive of choice for numerous high-profile terror attacks worldwide.
TATP's Global Terror Footprint
TATP has been used in some of the most devastating terror attacks in the last two decades:
• 2001 Shoe Bomber Attempt: Richard Reid tried to detonate TATP, which was concealed in his shoe, on American Airlines Flight 63.
• 2005 London 7/7 Bombings: Suicide bombers employed TATP-based IEDs on buses and the Underground, killing 52 people.
• 2015 Paris Attacks: Coordinated shootings and suicide bombings across Paris, including the Bataclan theatre, used TATP-laced vests and devices.
• 2016 Brussels Airport & Metro Bombings: The apartments of the attackers were discovered to hold large quantities of TATP; the blast killed 32 people.
• 2017 Manchester Arena Blast: The powerful TATP device of Salman Abedi went off near the exit of the concert venue, killing 22, including children.
