In the wake of a deadly explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, the United States has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to offer consular assistance. The blast, which occurred in a car near the Red Fort Metro Station, has resulted in at least eight fatalities and numerous injuries.

A State Department spokesperson told PTI that the U.S. is aware of the explosion and is closely monitoring the situation. The spokesperson also stated that the U.S. stands ready to provide consular assistance.

According to reports, the explosion occurred around 6:52 PM in a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort. The blast was of high intensity, causing damage to nearby vehicles and leaving multiple vehicles in flames. Window panes were shattered, and a high alert has been sounded across Delhi. Seven fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to control the fire.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha stated that all agencies, including the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) and NIA (National Investigation Agency), are on the scene. He added that the situation is being monitored and that investigations are underway. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also been in contact with the Delhi Police Commissioner and is receiving regular updates on the situation. Shah has directed the chiefs of the NIA, NSG (National Security Guard), and forensic sciences to rush teams to assist the probe and collect evidence. He also stated that all possibilities are being explored and a thorough investigation will be conducted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation and has been informed of the details of the incident. He conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased.

The blast occurred hours after a large cache of suspected explosives was recovered from a residence in Faridabad, linked to a Kashmiri academic. However, police sources have clarified that the blast is not linked to the earlier arrests in Faridabad involving the recovery of bomb-making materials.

The car involved in the explosion was reportedly registered to a man named Salman, who has been taken into police custody. He claimed to have sold the vehicle earlier, and authorities are coordinating with the RTO to trace the car's original owner.

In the wake of the explosion, security has been heightened across Delhi and in several other states. The CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) has placed the Delhi Metro, government buildings, Indira Gandhi International Airport, and other CISF-secured installations on high alert. Railway stations in and around Delhi have also been put on high alert. Haryana, particularly in the NCR regions bordering Delhi, has also been placed on high alert.

The incident has drawn condemnation from various quarters. President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed condolences and assured assistance to those affected by the blast. The Iranian Embassy in India also conveyed its condolences to the government and people of India.