NEW DELHI (Rajeev Sharma): The explosive that tore apart an i20 car near the Red Fort on November 10 may have been triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a highly unstable substance widely feared for its tendency to detonate without warning, senior officials revealed on Sunday. Forensic teams are now examining chemical traces from the site to verify the presence of the compound, commonly dubbed the “Mother of Satan.”
The latest assessment marks a major shift from initial suspicions that ammonium nitrate had been used. TATP, unlike ammonium nitrate, requires no detonator and can explode from a slight rise in temperature or pressure — a characteristic that has made it the signature explosive in several high-profile terror attacks across Europe in recent years.
Suspect Knew the Risks, Officials Believe
The blast killed 13 people and injured dozens when the car, driven by Dr. Umar Mohammad, erupted in the crowded Old Delhi locality bordering Chandni Chowk. Investigators say Umar, who is believed to have ties to the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad, likely understood how reactive TATP is before entering the bustling neighbourhood.
Reconstruction of the final moments shows the vehicle moving through narrow, congested lanes for an extended period, raising the possibility that the detonation may have been accidental — potentially triggered by heat buildup inside the car.
A Substance Feared Worldwide
Experts describe TATP as one of the most dangerous improvised explosives:
- Sensitive to heat, shock, and friction
- Capable of detonating without a blasting cap
- Historically linked to attacks in Paris, Brussels, Manchester, and Barcelona
Its notorious nickname stems from its unpredictability and frequent use in terror modules trained to manufacture homemade bombs.
Damage Pattern Matches TATP Blasts
Preliminary site analysis shows damage signatures — including intense shockwaves and pulverization of vehicle components — consistent with TATP explosions. Forensic specialists are examining residues to confirm whether the explosive degraded inside the car or was activated prematurely.
Investigators Explore Possible Terror Plot
The probe has widened beyond Umar, with police arresting three of his associates — Shaheen Saeed, Muzammil Shakeel, and Adil Rather — all of whom worked with him at Al Falah University in Faridabad. Investigators are exploring whether the group was preparing for a series of coordinated explosions across Delhi-NCR.
Searches at properties linked to the suspects have uncovered an alarming stockpile:
- Nearly 3,000 kg of chemicals and bomb-making materials
- A rifle and ammunition found in Saeed’s vehicle
- Documents suggesting international travel plans, prompting suspicion she may have intended to flee
Key Questions Yet to Be Answered
Authorities are now focusing on:
- How the chemicals needed for TATP were procured
- Whether a broader network supported the manufacturing
- If the explosive was being transported for a larger target
- Why the substance remained stable for hours before the blast
With forensic reports expected soon, agencies are intensifying scrutiny of digital trails, communications, and movement logs linked to the suspects. Officials caution that the explosion may have been just one part of a larger terror conspiracy still being unraveled.
