A blast in Delhi near the Red Fort on Monday night caused panic and mayhem across the national capital, killing at least eight and injuring others. The blast took place at approximately 6:55 p.m. and set multiple vehicles on fire, while nearby window panes were damaged by the explosion. Panic spread among residents and tourists as police and fire services arrived.
According to officials, fifteen victims are taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, eight of whom died, and the remaining are under critical care. Officials have put the city on high alert while emergency services continue to rescue the injured. Seven fire tenders were called to control the fire as police sectioned off the suburb around the Red Fort.
Investigation Underway; NIA and NSG Teams on the Scene
After the explosion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assessed the situation and ordered senior officials to take charge of relief work and investigation. A joint team from the National Security Guard (NSG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived on site to collect forensic evidence. The reports so far suggest that the blast may have been terror-related, with intelligence agencies suggesting it may be linked to an interstate terror module recently uncovered. Delhi Police had seized over 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, with 360 kilograms of the explosive seized earlier and 2,500 kilograms collected just prior to the strike. Officials are examining whether the explosives used at the Red Fort blast were the same explosives.
Leaders and Diplomats Offer Condolences
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her sorrow regarding the tragedy by posting on X that she “conveys heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the blast that has occurred in Delhi. I am praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
The international reactions came just after. The Argentine Ambassador to India, Mariano Caucino, also sent condolences on behalf of his government by writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and we wish a speedy recovery for those injured.”
The French Embassy in New Delhi also advised its citizens to be careful and vigilant, saying that the request to French nationals is to ‘exercise maximum caution and to avoid crowded areas’ until further notice.
Amit Shah: Cause Is yet to be Determined
The Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined https://x.com/ANI/status/1987925981534032054?s=20
“Every possible angle is under investigation by a number of agencies, including NIA and NSG,” he said.
Officials have assured that the situation is under control, but have also restricted access and deployed heavy security forces to a number of locations. While investigators dig deeper into the situation, the Red Fort blast is one of the most shocking security incidents in recent years, once again raising concerns.
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