The Deadly Hyundai i20: Sold Multiple Times Before Hitting Red Fort

Delhi Police are investigating how a Hyundai i20, informally sold among buyers, became the vehicle in the Red Fort explosion. This tragic incident resulted in eight fatalities and over 20 injuries. The car's ownership was never formally transferred, complicating the investigation. CCTV footage revealed the car circling Old Delhi before it exploded near the Red Fort Metro Station.

The Kotwali Police have filed a case under several acts, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Substances Act. These charges cover terrorism, conspiracy, and public safety endangerment. At least one individual has been detained in Kashmir regarding this blast.

Tracing Ownership Trails

Investigators are examining two different sale chains to determine who last owned the car. News18 reported that Salman initially bought the i20 on March 18, 2014. It was then passed informally to Devendra, Sonu, and Tariq without updating registration records. A Faridabad car dealer was involved in one transaction, raising questions about unofficial resales.

India Today provided another trail: Salman first registered the car, sold it to Nadeem, then it went to Royal Car Zone in Faridabad. Later, Tariq acquired it before Dr Umar Mohammad took possession. Investigators suspect Dr Umar might be linked to a Faridabad terror module.

CCTV Footage Insights

According to reports, CCTV footage showed the i20 entering a parking lot near Sunehri Masjid at 3:19 pm on Monday. It stayed there for over three hours before leaving at 6:48 pm. Four minutes later, it exploded near Gauri Shankar and Jain temples close to Red Fort Metro gate.

Earlier footage captured the vehicle at Kashmiri Gate, Daryaganj, and Chhata Rail Chowk. The driver wore a blue-and-black T-shirt and seemed alone. "He was either waiting for someone or awaiting instructions," a senior officer told.

The unrecorded transfers of this vehicle might have been intentional to hide its final owner. Informal sales through small dealers without registration updates hinder authorities from tracing real ownership—a vulnerability terror networks could exploit.