Delhi Blast: Two Detained as Police Trace Vehicle's Ownership History

At least two men have been detained for questioning following a deadly car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, November 10, which claimed the lives of eight people, Hindustan Times reported.

The blast, which occurred inside a Hyundai i20 sedan, has prompted a major investigation, with authorities meticulously tracing the vehicle's chain of ownership for crucial clues.

The detained individuals, identified as Salman and Devender, are both former owners of the white, 2013-model car.

Investigators have yet to draw any conclusions regarding the nature of the blast, including whether a terror plot was involved. Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that all possible angles are being actively probed by various agencies.

Gurugram Police in Haryana confirmed the initial details of the car's registration. Sandeep Kumar, a Gurugram Police spokesperson, stated the vehicle was originally registered in the name of a local resident, Salman, it reported.

"He sold the vehicle to a man named Devender, a resident of Okhla (Delhi), around one and a half years ago. We have handed over Salman to Delhi Police," Kumar said.

Delhi Police officials confirmed Devender's subsequent detention.

"Both are being questioned to trace the subsequent sale and establish the complete chain of ownership," Kumar added, noting that the car was also later reportedly sold to someone in Ambala.

Tracing the Ownership Trail to Kashmir

The investigation has revealed a complex sales history for the vehicle, suggesting multiple transfers before the fatal explosion.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the car, originally registered in Gurugram under the number HR26 and owned by Mohammad Salman, had changed hands several times. The trail has reportedly led investigators to a final alleged buyer in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, identified as Tariq, a resident of Shambhura village.

Delhi Police teams have since informed their counterparts in Jammu and Kashmir, and a team has been dispatched to Srinagar to verify the Pulwama connection.

Salman, the first registered owner, told police he sold the i20 to a buyer in Delhi's Okhla area last year. Investigators have subsequently tracked the car's movement from Okhla all the way to Pulwama. Authorities are now focused on establishing how the vehicle returned to Delhi immediately prior to the explosion.

Detained Man's Wife Cites 'Financial Crunch'

Salman, a resident of Shanti Nagar in Gurugram, lives with his wife and two children. His wife told reporters that he had sold the car due to a "financial crunch," according to information available till 11:30 pm.

Police are continuing to question both Salman and Devender as they work to complete the full sales history and determine the motive and circumstances behind the deadly blast.