In the wake of the recent car blast near Delhi's Red Fort, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued a stern warning, vowing to hunt down those responsible, even if they hide "in the depths of patal". Shah's strong words came after chairing high-level security review meetings in New Delhi to assess the situation and plan a course of action.
The blast, which occurred on Monday evening, prompted immediate responses from law enforcement and security agencies. Delhi Police have registered a case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, indicating the seriousness with which the incident is being treated. Authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance across the city as investigations continue to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion.
During the security review meetings, Shah instructed officials to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the culprits. The meetings were attended by top officials, including the Union Home Secretary, the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Delhi Police Commissioner, and the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). A second meeting included senior officials from the Union Home Secretary's office, Intelligence Bureau, National Security Guards (NSG), NIA, Forensic Science Services, and Delhi Forensic Science Laboratory. Shah emphasized the government's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, vowing that those involved would face the full wrath of investigating agencies.
"The action taken against the culprits will show the world that India will not tolerate terrorism in any form," Shah asserted. "The message will be clear - anyone who tries to harm our country will face the harshest consequences". He also expressed deep condolences to the families of those affected by the blast.
In addition to the ongoing investigation, security measures have been stepped up in Delhi. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the temporary closure of the Lal Qila Metro Station due to security reasons, though all other stations are functioning normally. The Red Fort itself will also remain closed to visitors.
The Home Minister underlined the commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to ensuring strict punishment for all those involved. He stated that the punishment meted out to the perpetrators would serve as a strong message to the world, deterring any future attempts to attack India. Shah emphasized that India is moving forward with a commitment to rural empowerment and national security under Modi's leadership.
While addressing the situation, Shah also virtually inaugurated the Shri Motibhai R. Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School and the Sagar Organic Plant in Gujarat. He highlighted the government's decision to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Shah noted that the expansion of the organic plant would improve citizens' health and increase the income of farmers involved in organic farming.
