New Delhi: The investigation into the horrific car blast near the Red Fort — which killed 13 people and injured several others on Monday evening — has taken a chilling turn. Forensic teams now strongly suspect that the device contained Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), the extremely volatile explosive widely known as the “Mother of Satan.”
Early analysis suggests TATP served as the primary trigger for the improvised explosive device (IED) planted inside the white Hyundai i20, setting off a much larger secondary charge that created the devastating fireball and shockwave. Investigators believe the IED — seen as a large bag on the car’s back seat — held 2–3 kg of TATP, packed together with ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, taking the total explosive weight to an estimated 40–50 kg.
With the revelation of the TATP factor in the Red Fort blast case yesterday, the safety precautions employed during the handling of explosives at the J&K police station should have been entirely different: @LtGenDPPandey, Analyst@akankshaswarups | #Srinagar #Blast… pic.twitter.com/5jV31GXqiQ
— News18 (@CNNnews18) November 15, 2025
The sheer intensity of the blast supports this theory. Officials say the explosion was felt up to 50 metres below ground, while human remains and debris were found strewn across a wide radius on the surface — a signature consistent with high-energy explosives like TATP.
What makes TATP so dangerous?
TATP is one of the most volatile explosives known. Just heat, friction, a minor jolt, or even static electricity can trigger it, making it extremely hazardous to transport or assemble. Despite this, it has become a preferred option for global terror networks because:
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It can be easily made from common chemicals such as acetone and hydrogen peroxide.
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It produces immense explosive power, often reaching nearly 80% of the force generated by TNT.
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It leaves behind minimal forensic traces, complicating investigations.
Security agencies say these properties give even a crude device a “military-grade” impact.
Probe widens as NSG completes tests
Samples collected from the blast site have been sent for confirmatory analysis by the National Security Guard (NSG). If TATP is formally established as the initiating charge, investigators say it would mark a major escalation in the sophistication and intent behind the attack.
The nature of the device, the scale of the explosive material, and the precision of assembly point not to amateurs, but to a well-organised, highly trained module.
Every aspect — including chemical procurement, bomb-making expertise, and possible international linkages — is now under the scanner.
