NEW DELHI: The mystery surrounding the massive explosion that rocked the capital on Monday is beginning to unravel, with initial assessments strongly suggesting the involvement of military-grade explosives. While forensic and the NSG’s explosive wing reports are still pending, the sheer scale of damage and casualties has led investigators to believe that high-end, powerful agents were used.
Sources indicate that investigators have officially sought expert opinions on the presence of extremely potent chemicals, including PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate), Semtex, or RDX. The initial assessment also has not ruled out the possible use of ammonium nitrate fuel oil alongside a proper detonation system.
Forensic teams have diligently collected approximately 42 exhibits from the blast site, including vehicle parts, tire residues, and traces of powder. These items are undergoing lab testing to definitively identify the high-exposure materials used in the explosion.
The focus on explosives like PETN is critical, as it is a major ingredient in Semtex and is favored by terror groups for its potent power and the difficulty in detection due to its colourless crystalline form. Experts note that a minimal quantity of PETN is sufficient to destroy a car, and its detonation does not inherently require shrapnel to cause immense damage.
Furthermore, investigators suspect a sophisticated triggering mechanism was employed, possibly utilizing a watch and small button batteries to complete the circuit and detonate the high-end explosives rigged to the car.
Complete clarity on the nature of the explosive used in Monday’s incident is expected within the coming days once the National Security Guard and forensic laboratories submit their final analyses.
