Indian security forces have launched a major counter-terrorism operation across Kashmir following a devastating car bomb explosion in Delhi that killed 13 people and left dozens injured.
Capital Attack Sparks Nationwide Manhunt
The explosion occurred during Monday evening rush hour outside one of India's most significant monuments, marking one of the deadliest terror attacks to target the capital in over a decade. Initially claiming eight lives, the death toll rose to 13 by Friday as more victims succumbed to their injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as a "conspiracy," while Home Minister Amit Shah pledged to "hunt down each and every culprit behind this incident." The Indian government has officially designated the blast as a "terror incident" perpetrated by "anti-national forces."
Kashmir Connection Revealed
Investigators have uncovered links to what they describe as "an interstate and transnational terror module" operating from Kashmir. The probe began last month after posters promoting the Pakistan-backed armed group Jaish-e-Mohammad appeared in Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Police have arrested seven individuals connected to the network, including two Kashmiri doctors working in other Indian states. During a raid on one doctor's home in Faridabad, Haryana state, authorities made a chilling discovery: 2,900kg of explosive materials, chemicals, detonators and assault rifles that they believe were being prepared for multiple target attacks.
Bulldozer Justice and Ongoing Investigation
Investigators allege the Delhi car bomb was driven by another Kashmiri doctor from the village of Koil, located 20 miles south of Srinigar. Both doctors involved in the case worked at the same medical college in Faridabad.
In a controversial move demonstrating "bulldozer justice" - an illegal but widespread tactic used by Indian authorities - the alleged driver's home was demolished by Friday morning, just hours after police had searched the premises and detained family members for questioning.
According to Kashmir police, the arrested individuals had connections with both Jaish-e-Mohammad and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an Islamic State affiliate operating in Kashmir. The investigation has now been taken over by India's National Investigation Agency, which handles all major terror cases.
Security forces remain on high alert across Kashmir, with multiple agencies conducting raids to disrupt further terrorist activities. The restrained government response compared to previous incidents suggests uncertainty about the perpetrators behind this sophisticated attack and the wider terror plot that has been uncovered.
