High Alert in Capital: NIA, NSG Join Probe into the Blast
A powerful and shocking explosion in a car near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening has shaken the national capital, leaving at least 13 people dead and several others injured. The incident, which happened close to the historic Red Fort, a major symbol of India’s independence and history, has led to a high alert being sounded across Delhi and the immediate deployment of India’s top investigative agencies to the site. The explosion, which occurred in a slow-moving vehicle at a busy traffic signal, has brought the focus back onto security in the heart of the country.
Blast at a Busy Junction: The Moment of Explosion
The incident took place at approximately 6:52 PM near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station, a bustling intersection on Subhash Marg. Initial reports from the Delhi Fire Services indicated that they received a distress call about an explosion and subsequent fire in a car. Eyewitness accounts described a terrifying scene, with a massive, high-intensity blast ripping through the Hyundai i20 car, instantly engulfing it and several nearby vehicles in flames. The force of the explosion was so severe that it reportedly rattled buildings up to 900 metres away, shattering windows and causing widespread panic among the shoppers and locals in the Chandni Chowk area, which is situated just opposite the blast site. Videos circulated on social media showed thick plumes of fire and smoke billowing into the evening sky, accompanied by scenes of chaos as people tried to rush away from the burning vehicles.
Tragedy Unfolds: Eight Confirmed Fatalities
As the smoke cleared, the tragic scale of the attack became evident. Multiple casualties were reported, with Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital confirming that at least eight people had succumbed to their injuries before reaching the hospital. An unconfirmed number of people sustained serious injuries and were rushed for immediate medical attention. The blast not only damaged the primary car but also gutted six other cars, four motorcycles, and three e-rickshaws that were near the traffic signal. Eyewitnesses spoke of body parts scattered on the road, painting a grim picture of the mayhem. Local residents expressed profound shock, with one shopkeeper stating, “I never heard such a loud explosion ever in my life. It felt as if we were all going to die.”
Immediate High-Level Response
The severity and location of the blast so close to the Red Fort, an area of high national security importance, immediately drew the attention of top government officials. Union Home Minister Amit Shah promptly took stock of the situation, speaking with the Delhi Police Commissioner and later visiting the blast site and the injured in the hospital. He confirmed that the incident was being investigated “taking all possibilities into account.” Teams from the National Security Guard (NSG), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) were swiftly rushed to the scene to conduct a thorough, multi-agency probe. The Delhi Police Special Cell also initiated its own investigation, cordoning off the area and examining all nearby CCTV footage for clues regarding the nature of the explosion and the perpetrators.
Tracing the Vehicle: A Key Lead Emerges
A crucial development in the investigation came quickly. Delhi Police detained the registered owner of the exploded Hyundai i20 car, identified as Md Salman, from Gurugram, Haryana. During questioning, Salman revealed that he had sold the car to another person in Delhi’s Okhla area, who then reportedly sold it again to someone in Ambala. The police are currently tracing the complete ownership chain of the vehicle to understand how it ended up at the traffic signal. The incident has intensified security concerns, particularly coming just hours after a massive cache of suspected explosives was recovered from a residence in Faridabad, which has alleged links to a Kashmiri academic. While the Delhi Police Commissioner initially suggested it was too early to confirm the nature of the blast, all investigative units are exploring every angle, including a possible terror link, given the method and the sensitive location of the explosion.
Call for Calm: Leaders Express Condolences
The explosion has cast a somber mood over the capital, a city that has witnessed numerous terror attacks in the past. Politicians from across the spectrum, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, expressed their deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. Chief Minister Gupta appealed to the residents of Delhi to “avoid rumours and maintain peace.” The incident serves as a harsh reminder of the constant security challenges faced by the nation, prompting security forces to maintain maximum vigilance. The high-level investigation is now focused on quickly determining the source and motive behind this brazen act of violence that has rocked the city near its most cherished landmark.
Deputy Editor, Prime Post
With an illustrious career spanning 29 years in the dynamic field of journalism, Anand Gantela is a seasoned professional who has made significant contributions to both print and electronic media. His wealth of experience reflects a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of news reporting.
