New Delhi: In the wake of a devastating explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting today to assess the security situation and discuss further actions. The blast, which occurred in a car near the Red Fort Metro Station, has claimed the lives of at least eight people and left more than 20 injured.

The explosion took place at approximately 6:52 PM in a Hyundai i20 car, triggering a fire that rapidly engulfed nearby vehicles. Eyewitness accounts describe a powerful explosion, with some reporting that street lights in the vicinity went out due to the intensity. The Delhi Fire Department dispatched seven fire tenders and 15 CAT ambulances to the scene to control the blaze and provide medical assistance.

Following the incident, a high alert has been declared across Delhi and the bordering regions of Haryana. Security has been tightened, and authorities are conducting thorough checks and heightened vigilance.

Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the nation hours after the blast, stating that the National Security Guard (NSG), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and forensic teams have initiated a comprehensive investigation. All nearby CCTV footage is being examined for potential leads. Shah also visited the blast site and met with victims at the hospital. While authorities are exploring all possible angles, including the possibility of a terrorist attack, the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.

The Delhi Police have detained the owner of the Hyundai i20, identified as Md Salman, from Gurugram, Haryana. Preliminary investigations revealed that Salman had sold the car to a person in Okhla, and authorities are working to trace the current owner. The car had a Haryana registration number plate.

The incident occurred mere hours after a terror module was busted in Faridabad, with approximately 2,900 kg of bomb-making material seized and several arrests made, including four doctors. While no direct connection has been established between the Faridabad arrests and the Red Fort explosion, authorities are questioning the arrested individuals in connection with the incident.

The high-level meeting chaired by Amit Shah is expected to involve top officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, intelligence agencies, and Delhi Police. The meeting will likely focus on reviewing the investigation's progress, identifying potential security lapses, and formulating strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future. The government is under pressure to quickly determine the cause of the blast and bring those responsible to justice.