A high-intensity explosion ripped through a Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, triggering widespread panic and prompting a nationwide alert. The blast, which occurred at approximately 6:52 PM near the Red Fort Metro Station, resulted in at least 9 fatalities and over 20 injuries, leaving a trail of charred vehicles and debris.
Initial investigations have revealed that the vehicle, a slow-moving Hyundai i20, was waiting at a traffic signal when the explosion occurred. The impact of the blast was such that it damaged several nearby vehicles and caused injuries to pedestrians and commuters. The incident prompted immediate responses from various agencies, including the Delhi Police, Fire Department, National Security Guard (NSG), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The Delhi Police have registered a case under several sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation was quickly handed over to the NIA, India’s premier anti-terror agency, indicating the gravity and potential national security implications of the incident.
Early assessments suggest that the explosion may not have been a planned suicide attack but rather a premature detonation triggered by panic. Security agencies have been conducting raids across multiple locations, uncovering explosives in Faridabad, Saharanpur and Pulwama. Sources indicate that the suspect may have acted hastily due to mounting pressure from recent crackdowns on terror modules.
Investigators are piecing together the timeline of the Hyundai i20, tracing its movements in the hours leading up to the explosion. The vehicle's journey began in Faridabad, and it was captured on CCTV cameras across multiple locations before the blast. The car was registered in Haryana and the owner of the vehicle, identified as Md Salman, was detained in Gurugram for questioning. Salman reportedly sold the car to a person in Okhla. Further investigations have led authorities to focus on Dr. Umar Nabi, a doctor from Pulwama, who is believed to have been driving the i20. DNA samples are being examined to confirm the identity of the deceased.
In the wake of the explosion, security measures have been heightened across Delhi and neighboring states. Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have been placed on high alert, with increased security at sensitive religious sites and border areas. The Red Fort has been closed to the public for three days, and the Lal Qila Metro station has also been shut down due to security concerns.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah to assess the situation and ensure a thorough investigation. The Home Minister has promised that those responsible will face the full force of the law. The Delhi government has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for those permanently disabled, and ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured.
