Investigators have confirmed that the deadly car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10 involved a dangerous combination of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and ammonium nitrate. This explosion resulted in the deaths of 13 people. Sources suggest that remnants of this volatile mixture may have also played a role in a subsequent accidental explosion at the Nowgam Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed nine lives.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has verified the presence of TATP in the vehicle used for the Delhi attack. TATP is known for its extreme sensitivity to heat, friction, and shock, making it a challenging substance to detect. Investigators believe that the ammonium nitrate used in the blast was in a highly unstable state, capable of self-detonation without a detonator.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have stated that the Nowgam explosion was accidental, occurring while officials were handling seized ammonium nitrate. This material had been transformed into a high-grade explosive by operatives of Jaish-e-Mohammed, who intended to use it for a large improvised explosive device (IED). Authorities suspect that the group was planning attacks in crowded urban areas, which could have resulted in significant casualties.

Initial assessments indicated that these attacks might have been scheduled for December 6 or January 26. However, the unstable nature of the chemicals suggests that the operatives could have acted sooner. The investigation intensified after the Nowgam Police intercepted Jaish-e-Mohammed posters threatening security forces and civilians in Kashmir. The arrest of Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather on October 27 led to raids in Faridabad, where ammonium nitrate and other bomb-making materials were seized.

Forensic analysis revealed that the car used in the Delhi blast contained approximately 30-40 kg of ammonium nitrate, a substance that is heavily regulated due to its potential for misuse. Licensed traders in Delhi confirmed that such chemicals are not typically stored or sold in the city, and the accused likely sourced the ammonium nitrate from shops in Haryana.

Ammonium nitrate has a history of being used in terror-related incidents in India, particularly before 2012. Despite strict regulations, illegal sales persist. Authorities are now taking preventive measures, including meetings with chemical associations to enhance monitoring and prevent the misuse of such materials in the future. Joint Commissioner of Police Madhur Verma emphasized the need for better tracking of chemicals and improved communication between vendors and enforcement agencies to identify suspicious activities promptly.