Red Fort Blast Investigation and the New Security Blueprint

​The security landscape of India is changing rapidly, and recent events have once again brought the focus back to the critical need for a unified defense strategy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently addressed the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 in New Delhi, where he dropped a significant revelation regarding the recent explosion near the iconic Red Fort. In a stern address to the Director Generals of Police (DGPs) from across the country, he confirmed that 40 kilograms of explosives were used in the i20 car blast that shook the national capital.

​This announcement was not just a factual update on a criminal investigation; it was a loud and clear message to the security leadership of India. The Home Minister emphasized that the era of working in "silos" must come to an end. For a country as large and diverse as India, the threat of terrorism and organized crime is a constant shadow, and the only way to stay ahead is through seamless coordination and the intelligent use of technology.

​The Scale of the Red Fort Incident

​The details shared by the Home Minister regarding the Red Fort blast were sobering. The use of 40kg of explosives in a crowded urban area like Old Delhi indicates a high level of planning and a direct attempt to cause mass casualties and instill fear. However, the Home Minister also shared a piece of information that highlights the efficiency of our intelligence agencies. While 40kg did detonate, the agencies managed to recover a staggering 3 tonnes of explosives before they could be used in further attacks.

​This massive recovery shows that while one incident slipped through, the "Team India" approach to security prevented a much larger catastrophe. Shah credited the Jammu and Kashmir police for their "excellent investigation," which led to the dismantling of the entire conspiracy network even before the Delhi blast took place. This success story serves as a template for what the Home Ministry expects from all state police forces going forward.

​Ending the Era of Data Silos

​One of the most powerful points made during the conference was about the misuse of technology and data. The Home Minister pointed out that central agencies and state police often collect data in isolation. He famously remarked that "technology developed in silos and data collected in silos are like a gun without bullets." This is a profound metaphor for the modern age. If the police in one state have information about a suspect, but that information is not accessible to a neighboring state or a central agency, the entire system fails.

​The shift the government is pushing for is from the old "Need to Know" basis to a "Duty to Share" principle. In the past, information was closely guarded, often due to bureaucratic hurdles or inter-departmental rivalry. Shah’s message to the DGPs was clear: every piece of intelligence must be part of a larger, national-level framework. The Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) are now tasked with creating a seamless system where data from different states can "communicate" with each other.

​A 360-Degree Assault on Organized Crime

​The Home Minister also announced an upcoming strategy that aims to launch a "360-degree assault on organized crime." This is a significant policy shift. Organized crime is no longer just about local gangs or extortion. In today’s world, these networks often serve as the logistics wing for terrorist organizations.

​Shah explained that criminal networks often start with ransom and extortion, but as their leaders flee abroad, they get recruited by terror outfits. The money made from street crimes in India is then used to fund terrorism against the country. By launching a comprehensive assault on the financial and logistical roots of organized crime, the government hopes to cut off the oxygen that fuels terror modules. This includes a push for "Trial-in-Absentia," a legal tool that allows the judiciary to convict fugitives who have fled the country, making it easier to seize their assets and force their return.

​The Unified Anti-Terrorism Structure

​A major takeaway for the DGPs was the directive to implement a common Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) structure across all states. Currently, different states have different ways of handling terror investigations. Some are highly advanced, while others lack the necessary technical expertise or manpower. By standardizing the ATS structure, the Home Ministry wants to ensure that a terror suspect faces the same level of professional investigation whether they are in Kerala, Punjab, or Manipur.

​This uniformity is essential for effective prosecution. Many cases fall apart in court because of procedural lapses or a lack of forensic evidence. The Home Minister urged the police chiefs to focus on the entire lifecycle of a case, from the initial investigation to the final conviction. He stressed that internal security preparations do not start at the borders; they begin miles away through vigilance and a "security-first" mindset in every police station across the country.

​Looking Ahead to a Zero-Terror Policy

​The ultimate goal, as outlined by the government, is a "Zero-Terror Policy." As India’s economy grows to become the fourth largest in the world, the challenges to its security will only increase. Economic success makes a nation a target for those who wish to disrupt its progress. Therefore, the police force cannot remain stagnant. It must evolve into a modern, tech-savvy, and highly coordinated unit.

​The message from the conference was one of resolve and unity. By naming the Red Fort blast details and the massive 3-tonne recovery, Amit Shah reminded the security heads that the threat is real and substantial. However, by calling for a "Team India" approach, he also offered the solution. The path forward involves a ruthless approach toward terrorism, a supportive framework for state police forces, and a commitment to sharing every byte of data that can help keep the citizens safe.

​The Red Fort incident was a tragedy, but it has served as a catalyst for a major overhaul of India’s internal security doctrine. The focus is no longer just on reacting to attacks but on creating a proactive, data-driven shield that makes it impossible for terror networks to operate within the country.