|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
New Delhi,
A powerful car explosion near Delhi’s famous Red Fort on Monday evening has shocked the entire nation. The blast killed 13 people and left more than 40 injured, turning one of the city’s busiest areas into a scene of chaos and destruction.
Police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are now treating the case as a terror attack. A special team has started an investigation to find out who is behind this deadly act.
What Happened Near Red Fort
The explosion took place around 6:45 PM near Subhash Marg, not far from the Red Fort parking area.
A white Hyundai i20 suddenly blew up with a loud sound, shaking nearby buildings.
Eyewitnesses said the scene was horrifying.
“I saw people running, cars burning, and thick smoke everywhere,” said Ramesh Kumar, who runs a food stall nearby. “It all happened in just seconds.”
Firefighters and police reached quickly. Around 20 fire trucks and several ambulances were sent to the spot. The injured were taken to LNJP and RML hospitals. Many are still in critical condition.
Police Say It’s a Planned Attack
Investigators found explosive materials like ammonium nitrate and detonator pieces from the damaged car. This clearly shows that the explosion was not accidental.
A top NIA officer said the pattern looks similar to terror modules active in Jammu & Kashmir. Police are also checking if the people arrested in Kashmir last week have any connection to this attack.
Over 120 CCTV cameras around Red Fort and Chandni Chowk are being checked.
“We are following strong leads,” said Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora.
Why Red Fort Is a Sensitive Target
The Red Fort is one of India’s most important symbols. The Prime Minister addresses the nation from there every Independence Day.
Experts say that attacking such a site is meant to send a message.
“This is not just about killing people. It’s an attack on India’s pride,” said Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Deepak Mehra, a security expert.
The last time the Red Fort area was attacked was in 2000, when militants killed two soldiers.
Delhi, Mumbai and NCR on High Alert
After the blast, the Union Home Ministry issued a high alert for Delhi and major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “cowardly act” and said the government will “hunt down every person behind this.”
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited the site and hospitals. She announced ₹10 lakh compensation for the families of the dead and ₹2 lakh for the injured.
“The city will not bow down to terror,” she said.
Stories of the Victims
Among the victims was Neha Arora, a 26-year-old marketing executive returning home from work. Her family said she had called them just five minutes before the blast.
Another victim, Mohammad Aslam, ran a tea stall near the Red Fort. His son said, “He was serving police officers tea when the car exploded.”
Doctors at LNJP Hospital said several patients have deep burns and shrapnel injuries.
Twin Explosions in Delhi and Islamabad
Interestingly, just hours after the Delhi blast, a similar explosion took place in Islamabad, Pakistan, killing 12 people near Parliament Avenue.
Both India and Pakistan have started separate investigations. Security experts believe the blasts could be linked or coordinated.
A senior NIA officer said, “The timing and method look too similar to be a coincidence.”
Global Reactions and Condemnation
World leaders, including the United States, the European Union, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, have condemned the attack.
Pakistan, however, denied any involvement and asked India to “avoid premature allegations.”
The twin blasts have again raised fears of regional instability and renewed talk about the need for stronger intelligence sharing.
Political Reactions in India
The Opposition demanded accountability for such a serious lapse near one of India’s most secure monuments.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said, “If this can happen near the Red Fort, what about the rest of the country?”
The BJP responded, saying this is not the time for politics and that the government is fully capable of finding the culprits.
Security Tightened Across the City
The Delhi Police has increased security at all key places metro stations, markets, malls, and bus terminals. Barricades, metal detectors, and random vehicle checks are visible everywhere.
Drones have been banned temporarily, and the Red Fort area remains completely sealed.
Police have requested citizens to stay calm and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Red Fort Closed for Tourists
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has closed the Red Fort for visitors till further notice. A structural check is being done to make sure the monument is safe.
The blast damaged several small shops near Lahori Gate, but the fort itself has not suffered major harm.
What Experts Say
Security experts are urging the use of AI-based surveillance to detect suspicious activities before attacks happen.
Cameras should not just record they should think, said Prakash Nandkumar, a counterterrorism researcher. Officials also highlighted how old city areas with narrow streets make evacuation harder during emergencies.
Next Steps in the Probe
The NIA has sent samples from the blast site to the lab. The car’s number plate was found to be fake, and police are tracking all nearby phone calls made before the blast.
The Home Ministry will soon hold a multi-agency review meeting with IB, RAW, and Delhi Police. So far, no group has claimed responsibility, but officials believe a sleeper cell could be involved.
Delhi Red Fort Blast, Delhi Explosion News, Terror Attack in Delhi, NIA Investigation, Red Fort Car Bomb, Delhi Blast Victims, India Terror Probe, Latest India News, Red Fort Closed, Delhi High Alert.
