A suspected terror cell behind the blast near the Red Fort metro gate in Delhi was reportedly planning a catastrophic, multi-pronged attack in the capital — modelled on the 2008 2008 Mumbai attacks, officials say. The targeted sites were top landmarks including the Red Fort, India Gate, the Constitution Club and the Gauri Shankar Temple, according to intelligence sources. 

Investigators believe the blast was not isolated. It is tied to a wider module based in Faridabad, Haryana, where over 2,900 kg of explosives, detonators and timers were seized. Evidence also shows that the accused carried out reconnaissance in the months before the explosion and may have been preparing for attacks around high-footfall dates such as Diwali or Republic Day. 

Authorities have invoked the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) and the probe has been elevated to national counter-terrorism agencies. This development has triggered fresh security alerts across Delhi and surrounding states as agencies work to dismantle the network and assess any further threats.