New Delhi – In the wake of the devastating car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has vowed to bring all those responsible to justice, promising they will face the "full wrath of our agencies". The high-intensity blast, which occurred near a traffic signal close to the Red Fort metro station, has so far claimed the lives of at least 12 people and left 30 others injured.
Shah, who described himself as "pained beyond words" by the loss of life, chaired review meetings with senior officials to assess the situation and direct the investigation. He has instructed authorities to "hunt down each and every culprit" involved in the heinous act. In a post on X, Shah assured the public that everyone involved would face the full force of the investigative agencies.
According to preliminary reports, the explosion occurred in a Hyundai i20 car at approximately 7 pm. The blast not only damaged several vehicles in the immediate vicinity but also ignited at least three other vehicles moving alongside. The impact of the explosion was so severe that body parts and vehicle debris were scattered across a 20-25 meter radius.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the scene. One resident, Om Prakash Gupta, described hearing a loud explosion and rushing outside to find vehicles on fire and body parts scattered around. Another eyewitness, a cab driver named Shahrukh, recounted running for his life along with others on the road after hearing the blast.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured that those affected are receiving assistance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the Delhi Defence Dialogue, conveyed his condolences and assured that a swift and thorough inquiry is underway, with findings to be made public soon.
Multiple probe agencies are currently investigating the incident, with orders to examine CCTV footage from the area to explore all possibilities. The Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over the probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Delhi Police have registered a case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Investigators have confirmed that ANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil) was used in the high-intensity explosion. Sources indicate that Mohammad Umar, a Kashmiri doctor with alleged links to Jaish-e-Mohammed, is believed to have been driving the car at the time of the blast. It is alleged that Umar planned the attack with two associates but carried it out alone due to the arrest of his accomplices in Faridabad earlier that day where a large cache of explosives, arms, and ammunition were seized.
In the wake of the explosion, security has been tightened in sensitive areas across Delhi. Authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance to ensure public safety and restore normalcy as investigations continue to determine the exact cause and circumstances of the blast. The Lal Qila Metro Station will remain closed due to security reasons, while all other stations are functional.
The injured are receiving treatment at a local government hospital. LNJP Hospital reported that 15 people were brought in, with eight pronounced dead on arrival. Three remain seriously injured, while one is in stable condition. Helpline numbers have been issued for those seeking assistance or information.
