The Delhi Blast that occurred near the historic Red Fort on Monday evening has shaken the capital and raised nationwide alarm. The explosion took place around 6:50 PM near the Red Fort Metro Station, killing at least eight people and injuring more than twenty. The blast, reportedly caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), destroyed several vehicles, shattered nearby windows, and set parts of the area ablaze. What was initially believed to be an accident has now become the center of a high-level anti-terror investigation led by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The Scene of the Delhi Blast
According to eyewitnesses, a parked Hyundai i20 car suddenly burst into flames, followed by a loud explosion that could be heard several kilometers away. Panic spread through the busy area as smoke and fire engulfed the vehicle. Passersby rushed to rescue the injured, while Delhi Fire Services and emergency teams were dispatched to the scene immediately. Traffic around the Red Fort area was brought to a standstill as police cordoned off the region for safety and investigation.
Videos circulating on social media show shattered shop fronts and damaged vehicles lining the road. The explosion reportedly occurred in a high-footfall zone, raising questions about the timing and intent behind the attack. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Delhi’s most visited landmarks, lies at the heart of the investigation as officials suspect it may have been a potential target.
Investigation Underway: NIA and Delhi Police Take Charge
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) quickly took over the case from the Delhi Police, registering it under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigators recovered fragments of metal, burnt vehicle parts, and traces of high-grade explosives from the site. Forensic experts are analyzing samples to determine the nature and source of the materials used.
CCTV footage retrieved from surrounding buildings revealed the car entering Delhi from Haryana earlier in the day. The footage also showed that the vehicle had been parked near the blast site for several hours before the explosion occurred. Investigators suspect the car was loaded with explosives beforehand and detonated remotely using a timer or mobile device.
Possible Terror Links Emerge
Authorities have not ruled out a connection between the Delhi Blast and a recently uncovered terror module operating between Kashmir and Haryana. Earlier this month, several suspects were arrested in Faridabad and Srinagar for allegedly planning coordinated attacks across multiple Indian cities. The NIA is now investigating whether the Red Fort explosion is part of the same network’s operations.
According to initial reports, the module had been preparing over 200 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for attacks on high-profile locations such as the Red Fort, India Gate, and major railway stations. Intelligence agencies believe that the car used in the explosion was part of this larger terror setup. Raids are currently being conducted in multiple states to identify and apprehend potential collaborators.
Government Response and National Security Measures
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the victims of the blast at LNJP Hospital and met with senior security officials to review the situation. He expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and assured the public that those responsible for the heinous act would be brought to justice. “We stand united against terror,” the Prime Minister said in his statement, emphasizing the need for enhanced vigilance and public cooperation.
Following the explosion, Delhi has been placed on high alert, with increased security presence across sensitive locations including airports, railway stations, and public transportation hubs. Police have intensified vehicle checks, deployed sniffer dogs, and tightened surveillance around heritage sites such as India Gate and Qutub Minar. In other metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, similar precautionary measures have been introduced to prevent potential copycat attacks.
Eyewitness Accounts and Public Reaction
Many locals who witnessed the explosion are still in shock. Ramesh Gupta, a shopkeeper near the Red Fort Metro Station, recalled hearing “a deafening sound followed by a wave of heat and debris flying everywhere.” Another resident, Anita Sharma, said, “The blast was so powerful that our windows shattered instantly. We thought it was an earthquake.” Citizens took to social media expressing both grief and anger, demanding swift action and stronger counter-terrorism measures from authorities.
Political and Diplomatic Reactions
Opposition leaders extended condolences to the victims’ families but criticized lapses in intelligence that allowed such an incident in the heart of the capital. Several foreign embassies in New Delhi have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to avoid crowded areas until the situation stabilizes. International media outlets have also reported the explosion, drawing attention to India’s ongoing challenges in counter-terrorism and urban security.
What Lies Ahead for Delhi
As investigations continue, Delhi remains on edge but resilient. The Delhi Blast has once again highlighted the vulnerability of major cities to terror threats. Forensic teams are expected to submit detailed reports within days, which could lead to more arrests and revelations about the network behind the explosion. While the immediate focus remains on identifying those directly involved, security agencies are also reassessing protocols to strengthen preventive intelligence and rapid-response mechanisms.
The government’s swift response and the public’s unity in the face of tragedy reflect the spirit of a nation determined not to bow down to terror. The incident near the Red Fort will be remembered not only as a day of sorrow but also as a call for renewed vigilance and cooperation among citizens and authorities alike.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on official statements and verified media reports. Details may change as investigations progress.