New Delhi, November 11 (HS): The capital Delhi was rocked on Monday evening when a powerful explosion occurred in a car near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. At least eight people were killed and more than 20 injured in the blast, which occurred around 6:55 p.m. The explosion was so powerful that several vehicles and a bus parked nearby caught fire. The incident caused panic in the entire area, and a high alert was declared in Delhi.
Fire department spokesperson A.K. Malik stated that seven fire engines were rushed to the scene immediately after receiving information about the blast, and the fire was brought under control within about half an hour. The department has confirmed eight deaths and 20 injuries, although hospital sources indicate the death toll may rise. All the injured have been admitted to Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, where the condition of several is reported to be critical.
Shah arrived at the hospital and said, “Investigation is ongoing from all angles.”
Immediately after the blast, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha and directed the deployment of NIA, NSG, and FSL teams to the scene. Late in the night, Shah himself arrived at LNJP Hospital, where he inquired about the well-being of the injured and spoke with doctors.
Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Shah said, “A Hyundai i20 car exploded near the Red Fort in Delhi at around 7 pm today. The blast damaged three to four vehicles and injured several people. According to hospital sources, eight people have died so far. We have initiated an investigation from all angles, including the possibility of a terrorist incident. The situation will become clear only after the forensic report.”
The Home Minister further stated that upon receiving information about the blast, Delhi Police’s Special Cell, Crime Branch, NIA, SPG, and FSL teams reached the spot. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with him over the phone to inquire about the incident and assess the situation.
Shah said, “I have briefed the Prime Minister on the entire situation. I am leaving from here to the scene. A detailed review meeting will be held with senior officials at the Home Ministry tomorrow morning.”
Prime Minister Modi Expresses Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep condolences over the incident and said, “My condolences to those who lost their loved ones in the Delhi blast. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. Public safety is the top priority, and all necessary steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.”
The Prime Minister has directed Home Minister Shah and security agencies to expedite every aspect of the investigation and provide transparent information to the public.
8 killed, 20 injured in blast
Those killed in the accident include Ashok, an unidentified man (35), an unidentified man (32), an unidentified man (52), an unidentified man (58), an unidentified man (28), an unidentified man (30), and an unidentified man (35). The injured include Shayna Parveen (23), Harshul (28), Shiva Jaiswal (32), Sameer (26), Joginder (28), Bhawani Sahkar Sahrma (30), Geeta (26), Vinay Pathak (50), Pappu (53), Vinod Singh (55), Shivam Jha (21), an unidentified man (26), Shahnawaz (35), Ankush Sharma (28), Farooq (55), Tilak Raj (45), Mohammad Safwan (28), Mohammad Dawood (31), Kishori Lal (42), and Azad (34).
Nationwide alert, security tightened
Following the explosion, security agencies across the country have been put on high alert. Police and Anti-Terror Squads (ATS) have been put on alert in Delhi-NCR, as well as in Karnataka, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Security forces have been deployed in sensitive areas in major cities like Noida, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune, while checking operations are underway at railway stations, airports, and malls.
Delhi Police has stated that all nearby metro entrances have been closed and the Chandni Chowk area adjacent to the Red Fort has been sealed.
Following the vehicle explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station, all CISF-protected installations in Delhi-NCR, including the Delhi Metro, the Red Fort, government buildings, and the IGI Airport, have been put on high alert. The situation is being continuously monitored, and all personnel have been placed on standby.
NIA, NSG, and forensic teams are investigating.
A joint team of NIA, NSG, and FSL is investigating the site. Initial investigations indicate the explosion was low-intensity, but a larger conspiracy has not been ruled out. Experts are also investigating whether the blast was caused by a CNG kit exploding or by explosive material.
Delhi’s security again in question
This blast, which occurred near the Red Fort Metro Station, occurred just 500 meters from the historic site, considered one of the most secure areas in the country.
Delhi has previously been rocked by several explosions in 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2011. Now, once again, serious questions are being raised about the capital’s security.
– Hindustan Samachar
(This story is a translated version from a syndicated Agency feed. Except for the headline, The content has not been edited by The Central Post staff.)
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