New Delhi, Nov 16: The probe into the deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort has uncovered a disturbing financial trail, with investigators revealing that the driver of the Hyundai i20 involved in the blast allegedly received Rs 20 lakh through illegal channels to carry out the attack.

The explosion, which occurred on the evening of November 11, claimed 13 lives and injured several others.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), now leading the investigation, has identified the driver as a key operative in a larger terror module.

Sources indicate that the funds were routed through underground hawala networks, raising concerns about cross-border financing and sleeper cell activity.

The Hyundai i20 was one of four vehicles reportedly planned for use in a coordinated multi-phase attack targeting six locations in Delhi. The Red Fort blast was the first in the sequence, with the car detonating while in motion, causing widespread panic and destruction.

Authorities have also linked the accused to a handler based in Turkey, codenamed “Ukasa,” suggesting international involvement in the planning and execution of the attack. The NIA is working closely with intelligence agencies to trace the origin of the funds and identify other members of the network.

Security has been tightened across the capital, and alerts have been issued in major cities as the investigation continues. The government has vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice and prevent further threats to national security.