Three days after a powerful explosion near the Red Fort killed 13 people, a severed human hand was found on the roof of a shop close to the blast site on Thursday morning. The incident deepened the horror of Monday’s tragedy. Police said the hand was discovered a few metres from the explosion spot, behind the Jain Temple. The area was immediately cordoned off after the discovery.
A senior police officer said, “We received a call around 8:30 am regarding a severed hand found on a rooftop behind the Jain Temple. A team reached the spot, sealed the area, and recovered the remains. The hand has been sent for forensic examination to identify the victim.” The Red Fort area remains under heavy security since Monday’s blast, which tore through a crowded lane and left the city shaken. Officials said the hand may belong to one of the unidentified victims of the explosion.
Of the 13 people who died, only eight have been identified so far. Several victims were dismembered in the explosion, complicating identification efforts. Police said DNA testing is underway to match the remains with missing persons reported by families. The blast, which occurred on Monday evening, also left more than 20 others injured. Many of them continue to receive treatment at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital.
According to hospital officials, 12 patients are currently admitted to the emergency ward. Six are in the isolation ward, four in the intensive care unit, and four in the neurosurgery unit. One critically injured patient is being treated in the trauma centre. Doctors said the condition of several patients remains serious. “Some have multiple burn injuries, while others suffered deep shrapnel wounds. A few victims have undergone multiple surgeries,” a senior doctor said.
Forensic teams revisited the blast site on Thursday after the discovery of the severed hand. They collected new samples from nearby rooftops and drainage points to look for any more remains or evidence. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is leading the probe, has also been informed about the latest finding. A senior official said, “We are examining all physical evidence. Every piece of human or material trace can help us reconstruct the sequence of the explosion and confirm the type of explosive used.”
Sources said investigators are still analysing CCTV footage from the area. The discovery of human remains days after the explosion has intensified pressure on investigators to piece together the full picture of the blast. Police officials said the ongoing search will continue across surrounding buildings and rooftops. “We want to ensure that no remains are left behind. The forensic team will examine every clue,” the officer added.
The Red Fort area continues to remain sealed, with shops closed and traffic diverted. Metro services at Lal Quila station also remain suspended. For residents, the sight of police and forensic vans has become routine since Monday, but fear lingers.
