Delhi blast update: three 9mm cartridges recovered, no weapon found yet
In a developing update on the Red Fort blast case, Delhi police confirmed on Sunday that three cartridges were recovered from the blast site. Two of the cartridges were live rounds while one was spent. The ammunition is described as 9mm caliber, typically associated with firearms that are prohibited for civilian use in India under various gun control laws. Officials cautioned that, despite the recovery, there has been no weapon located at the scene so far, and investigators are continuing to piece together the sequence of events.
What the discovery means for the investigation
The retrieval of live 9mm cartridges at the site adds a crucial data point for investigators. While the presence of ammunition does not confirm the type of weapon used or whether a weapon was intentionally removed, it narrows down potential leads about the scale and nature of the attack. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains in its early stages and that evidence collected at the scene will be analyzed by forensic teams to determine the caliber, whether firearms were involved, and the possible origin of the ammunition.
Timeline and next steps for investigators
Examining the blast vicinity is central to understanding how the attack unfolded. Forensic teams will conduct an exhaustive audit of the blast site, examine nearby security footage, and interview witnesses and officials connected with the Red Fort complex. Detectives are also expected to scrutinize the cartridge markings and ballistics to determine whether the ammunition was personally procured by a suspect or supplied by an intermediary. The absence of a weapon at the location could influence the tempo of the inquiry, potentially shifting focus toward accessory material, detonation methods, or staged attempts to mislead investigators.
Public safety and security considerations
With a high-profile historic site involved, authorities are balancing the need for a thorough investigation with public reassurance. Security around the Red Fort has been tightened, and officials have urged the public to avoid speculation that could hinder the investigation. In parallel, counterterrorism units may broaden their sweep for potential accomplices, shell companies, or cache locations that could relate to the attack.
Why this development matters for the broader case
Every forensic clue shapes the trajectory of the case. The discovery of 9mm cartridges could indicate the use of a compact firearm or a portable weapon that could be easily deployed in crowded urban settings. While no weapon has been recovered, the cartridges themselves may reveal information about the source and procurement channels if ballistics analysis links them to specific manufacturers or batches. Law enforcement will likely publish follow-up updates as ballistic results and additional findings become available.
What the public can expect in the coming days
As investigators work to map the attack, updates are expected to detail progress in forensic testing, surveillance data reviews, and witness statements. Officials may also provide fresh timelines or clarify any operational constraints that slow the pace of the inquiry. Citizens should rely on official briefings for accurate information and avoid conflating preliminary details with final conclusions.
Context and international perspective
Blasts at symbolic national sites typically prompt heightened security measures and international attention. While this update indicates a narrowing of lead lines, it also highlights the challenges in urban counterterrorism work, where multiple strands—legal, forensic, and social—must align to present a coherent picture of what occurred and why. The investigation seeks to reassure the public while ensuring that due process guides every step of the judicial process.
As investigators continue their work, more concrete information is anticipated. The focus remains on clarifying the weapon details, the source of the ammunition, and the motive behind the attack, with updates likely to emerge as forensic results and intelligence assessments are completed.
