Three 9mm cartridges prohibited for civilian use found at Delhi car blast site near Red Fort

Red Fort blast

Investigators probing the car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi have recovered three 9mm caliber cartridges from the scene, Delhi Police sources told ANI. Two of the cartridges were live rounds, and one was an empty shell.

Officials said the ammunition is prohibited for civilian use and is normally issued only to security forces or individuals with special authorisation. They also clarified that no pistol or firearm part was found at the site, which has added to the mystery for investigators.

The recovery has raised several new questions. Officers said the cartridges are being treated as a significant clue, but the absence of a weapon has opened multiple investigative angles. Forensic teams are examining whether the cartridges were fired at the location or brought there later to mislead the investigation.

Earlier on Saturday, the Delhi Police Crime Branch intensified its probe and began examining possible links with Al Falah University. Two FIRs have been registered so far, one for cheating and another for forgery, based on evidence collected during the preliminary investigation.

A Crime Branch team visited the university’s Okhla office, issued a formal notice, and sought documents that could help uncover irregularities involving individuals connected to the institution. Reports indicate that this forms part of a wider inquiry into whether academic or administrative channels were misused leading up to the explosion.

Meanwhile, new details have emerged from Nuh. Dr Umar Muhammad, who died in the blast, was reportedly seen moving around for several hours before the explosion. Investigators learned that he had rented a room behind the Goyal Ultrasound Centre for 10 days. The arrangement was reportedly made by Shoeb, an electrician employed at Al Falah University.

The rented room, found locked after the incident, has been searched by teams from the Delhi Police, the National Investigation Agency, and the Crime Investigation Agency in Nuh. Officials believe the location may contain key evidence.

CCTV footage from the nearby ultrasound centre is also being examined. Initial clips show the i20 car involved in the blast and may help investigators trace Umar’s movements.

Teams from the NIA, Delhi Police, and Haryana Police are now sweeping through Nuh and nearby areas to identify anyone who interacted with Dr Umar or may be linked to the explosive device.