New Delhi, India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital in Delhi to meet with individuals injured in Monday's explosion near the Red Fort. The blast, a rare occurrence in the heavily guarded capital, resulted in 9 fatalities and over 20 injuries.
The Prime Minister's visit occurred immediately after his return from a two-day state visit to Bhutan. Sources indicate that Modi went directly to the hospital upon landing in Delhi. He personally interacted with the injured, wishing them a swift recovery, and received a briefing from hospital officials and doctors.
"Went to LNJP Hospital and met those injured during the blast in Delhi. Praying for everyone's quick recovery. Those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice!" Modi stated in a tweet. He entered the hospital through a separate entrance, avoiding the media presence at the main gate.
The explosion, which took place on Monday evening near the Red Fort Metro Station, involved a car, a Hyundai i20, and scattered debris and damaged vehicles across the busy area. Initial assessments suggest the suspects may have made a mistake while handling explosives, according to intelligence sources. Ammonium nitrate, the same substance discovered in Faridabad, is suspected to have been used in the blast.
In the wake of the blast, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation. Authorities have expanded their search, with raids conducted in multiple locations, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Delhi Police have also issued an alert to trace a red Ford EcoSport possibly linked to the explosion.
The Delhi Police have filed an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, confirming the incident as a terror attack. Investigations suggest the involvement of a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) module. One suspect, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, who was affiliated with Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad, is believed to have executed the attack. He is suspected of loading a car with explosives and detonating it in a crowded area near the Red Fort.
Following the blast, security measures have been heightened in various locations. Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh, which borders Delhi, were placed on high alert. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru advised passengers to arrive early for security checks.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced compensation for the victims, with ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹5 lakh for those permanently disabled, ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured, and ₹20,000 for those with minor injuries.
