New Delhi: Delhi Police have detained the owner of a Hyundai i20 involved in a blast near the Red Fort, which occurred Monday evening. The high-intensity explosion resulted in at least eight fatalities and left approximately 20 others injured. The incident also caused damage to several nearby vehicles, including an e-rickshaw, with some bursting into flames.

The blast occurred around 6:52 PM near Gate 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, close to the Subhash Marg traffic signal. Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion took place in a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car.

Following the incident, teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and Delhi Police's special units were dispatched to the scene. Forensic teams are also assisting in the investigation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that all possibilities are being investigated and that no angle is being ruled out. Shah also mentioned that authorities are examining CCTV footage from the area.

The owner of the vehicle has been identified as Mohd Salman, the original owner, who resides in Gurugram, Haryana. According to Sandeep Kumar, a spokesperson for Gurugram Police, Salman had sold the vehicle to a man named Devender, who is a resident of Okhla, Delhi, approximately one and a half years ago. Both Salman and Devender have been detained and are being questioned to trace the subsequent sales of the vehicle and establish the complete chain of ownership. There are also reports that the car was later sold to someone in Ambala, but details are still being gathered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been briefed on the situation and has extended condolences to the families of the deceased. President Droupadi Murmu also expressed condolences. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called the explosion "extremely distressing and alarming" and assured that all possible assistance is being provided to those affected.

In light of the blast, a high alert has been issued in Delhi, and security has been tightened at the airport, metro stations, government buildings, and other vital installations. Other states, including Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal, have also been placed on high alert, with increased security checks and patrolling in place.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the blast.