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Investigators have confirmed that the powerful explosion near the Delhi Red Fort was caused by a bomb made from Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil. But what exactly is this chemical, and why is it so dangerous?
What Happened Near the Delhi Red Fort
Delhi witnessed a shocking evening when a car parked close to the Red Fort exploded, killing nine people and injuring over twenty. The loud blast shook nearby buildings and damaged several vehicles. Police later confirmed that the car was loaded with Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil, also known as ANFO, a type of industrial explosive.
The Delhi Red Fort blast has once again raised questions about how easily such chemicals can be misused. According to investigators, the car had been parked on Subhas Marg for almost three hours before it went up in flames. CCTV footage shows the suspected bomber, identified as Umar Mohammed, sitting inside the car moments before the explosion.
Experts who reached the site said the intensity of the blast matched that of an ANFO explosion. They collected residue from the car and nearby debris to confirm the chemical composition.
What Is Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil
Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil is a mixture of two materials — ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in fertilizers, and fuel oil, which is used as an energy source. When combined in the right ratio, the mixture becomes a powerful explosive known as ANFO.
In simple terms, ammonium nitrate acts as an oxidizer, and fuel oil serves as the fuel. When they react, they release a huge amount of energy in a very short time, producing a strong explosion. ANFO is widely used in mining, quarrying, and construction to break large rocks or dig tunnels.
However, the same property that makes it useful in industry also makes it dangerous in the wrong hands. It is cheap, easy to mix, and the ingredients are widely available — making it one of the most commonly used explosives in terror attacks around the world.
Why Ammonium Nitrate Is Dangerous
Ammonium nitrate by itself is not highly explosive. But when it comes into contact with oil, diesel, or other fuels, it becomes unstable. Under pressure or heat, it can detonate with extreme force.
India has seen several tragedies linked to ammonium nitrate. In 2011, over 15 people were killed in the Mumbai serial blasts, which used the same chemical. It was also found in the Hyderabad twin blasts and other terror incidents.
Even accidental explosions have been deadly. In 2020, the massive Beirut blast in Lebanon killed more than 200 people and was traced to stored ammonium nitrate. The explosion destroyed large parts of the city and served as a global reminder of how hazardous the chemical can be when mishandled.
After such incidents, India strengthened its control over ammonium nitrate through the Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, later updated in 2021. The law classifies it as an explosive when it contains more than 45 percent ammonium nitrate by weight. The sale, storage, and transport of this chemical are now regulated by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
Despite these rules, illegal use continues due to poor monitoring and smuggling. The Delhi Red Fort blast is the latest reminder that stronger enforcement is urgently needed.
How Ammonium Nitrate Was Used in the Red Fort Bomb Blast
Investigators believe the Delhi Red Fort bomb was built using a simple ANFO design. A container filled with ammonium nitrate and mixed with fuel oil was placed inside the car. It was connected to a detonator and timer, allowing it to explode at a set moment.
The car was reportedly parked in a busy area, increasing the impact of the explosion. The blast not only killed and injured people nearby but also destroyed several vehicles. Experts from the National Security Guard and the Forensic Science Laboratory collected residue confirming ammonium nitrate fuel oil as the main component.
This is not the first time ANFO has been used in India. Its ease of preparation makes it a preferred choice for local terror modules. All that is needed is fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate, diesel, and a simple detonating device. Because these materials are commonly available, detection becomes difficult before an attack occurs.
Police have now linked the Red Fort bomb to a larger module operating from Faridabad. Raids at a house in that area led to the recovery of more than 300 kilograms of ammonium nitrate. Some suspects were posing as doctors to avoid suspicion. This network is believed to have supplied chemicals for multiple planned attacks in the Delhi–NCR region.
Why ANFO Remains a Major Security Threat
Experts say ANFO is difficult to track because its main ingredients are legitimate industrial materials. Ammonium nitrate is used in agriculture, and fuel oil is available everywhere. Unlike military-grade explosives, ANFO does not require high-level expertise or restricted materials.
Another major issue is that ammonium nitrate can be purchased in bulk by businesses with fake documentation. Once stored, it can be converted into an explosive within hours. That is why security agencies have called for better tracking of fertilizer sales and industrial chemical supplies.
In India, ammonium nitrate rules require buyers to maintain detailed records, but enforcement on the ground is weak. Many small traders and transporters bypass checks, making it easier for illegal buyers to obtain the chemical.
Following the Delhi blast news, the government is planning to strengthen these rules again. Officials are discussing a central digital tracking system that records every sale and movement of ammonium nitrate across states.
How Authorities Plan to Prevent Future Attacks
The Delhi Red Fort blast has pushed both the Centre and Delhi Police to increase vigilance. The Home Ministry has ordered fresh security audits around major landmarks like the Red Fort, India Gate, and Parliament House.
All chemical dealers in the National Capital Region are now under scanner. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation is also inspecting warehouses where ammonium nitrate is stored.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement that “those behind this cowardly act will not be spared” and added that public safety will remain the top priority. Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency continues to track the financial and logistical support behind the attack.
Experts believe the focus should be on prevention. They recommend tighter surveillance of fertilizer sales, cross-state data sharing, and public awareness campaigns about chemical misuse.
Delhi Police have also started random checks on vehicles near high-security areas, and security forces are using explosive detectors to screen public spaces more frequently.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
The use of Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil in the Delhi Red Fort bomb blast shows how ordinary materials can be turned into deadly weapons. The chemical itself is not illegal, but when safety rules are ignored, it can lead to disaster.
For India, the challenge lies in balancing industrial use with national security. Ammonium nitrate remains vital for farming and mining, yet it continues to appear in terror cases. The government now faces the urgent task of ensuring that every kilogram is tracked, verified, and secured.
As Delhi recovers from the tragedy near its historic monument, the focus must move from reaction to prevention. Every rule must be enforced, and every loophole closed — because public safety depends on it.
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