Based on the intensity observed in the car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, investigators suspect that the highly sensitive explosive known as Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) was used in the attack.

This explosive’s code name is ‘Mother of Satan’.

The blast on November 10 resulted in 13 deaths and injured over 20 people. NIA investigation revealed that the car was driven by Dr. Umar Un Nabi. CCTV footage showed a large bag on the car’s back seat, believed to have contained the explosive.

What is the ‘Mother of Satan’?

Experts identify TATP as an extremely high-yield and sensitive explosive. Its main characteristics include:

• Spontaneous Detonation: It does not require a detonator for explosion. A blast can occur with just a slight jolt or intense heat from the sun.
• Terrorist Choice: Terrorists worldwide use this explosive to construct bombs for attacks. TATP can be used to make very powerful IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).
• JeM’s Favourite: This highly ‘unstable’ explosive is a favorite of the militant organization Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Investigators estimate that the car contained 2-3 kg of Ammonium Nitrate and fuel oil, along with the ‘Mother of Satan’.

TATP Use Globally and Investigators’ Questions:

• Previous Attacks: TATP was used in the Paris blasts in 2015, the Manchester bombing in 2017, and the Brussels attacks in 2016. The intensity of the Delhi blast has led the NIA to suspect the use of TATP.
• Umar’s Unawareness: The NIA suspects that the attacker Umar was likely unaware of the nature of the TATP. The module leaders simply told him to drive the car, packed with TATP, near the Red Fort.
• Mystery in the Investigation: The main question for the investigators now is, where did Umar get his hands on this highly complex explosive? Furthermore, despite being a highly unstable explosive, Umar drove the car around for a long time before reaching the Red Fort. NIA investigators are trying to find the answer to why the explosive did not detonate earlier during that time.