Red Fort car bomb kills 8, injures 16; over 30 vehicles destroyed. Amit Shah reviews situation as NSG and NIA probe the blast. Delhi-NCR on high alert.

New Delhi: A devastating car bomb explosion near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station claimed eight lives and injured 16 people, six of them critically, in what has become one of the deadliest incidents in the heart of Delhi in recent years. The blast, which occurred around 6:40 PM on Monday, reduced over 30 vehicles to ashes, shattered glass in nearby shops, and hurled debris into the historic Lal Mandir, damaging windows and doors.

Bodies continued to arrive at Lok Nayak Hospital late into the evening as emergency responders struggled to contain fires and provide medical aid. Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and narrow escapes. A Paharganj resident, who requested anonymity, recounted how he narrowly avoided death after being called near the Red Fort by a companion returning from Chandni Chowk. “The blast was incredibly powerful,” he said. Another victim described being stuck in traffic when a man fell onto his car due to the explosion, already dead upon impact, highlighting the human toll of the tragedy.

Authorities Respond: High Alert in Delhi and Surrounding Areas

In the aftermath, Delhi and neighboring Gurugram were placed on high alert, with over 4,000 police personnel deployed to patrol streets, man checkpoints, and inspect vehicles. Security measures include road barricades, rigorous verification of driver and passenger identification, and slowed traffic along major thoroughfares. The DCP West has been tasked with overseeing control room operations.

The Delhi Police Special Cell, along with teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and National Security Guard (NSG), are conducting an intensive investigation at the site, collecting evidence and analyzing the blast for clues regarding its nature and perpetrators.

PM Modi Condoles Victims of Red Fort Car Explosion

PM Narendra Modi has issued his first statement following the devastating car explosion near the Red Fort that claimed at least eight lives and injured 16 people. He wrote on X, “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. Those affected are being assisted by authorities. Reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and other officials.”

Ministerial Oversight: Amit Shah in Constant Contact

Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally spoke with Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha and the IB Director immediately after the blast. Shah has been continuously updated on the situation, and all investigative teams are operating under direct coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Commissioner Golcha, in his first official statement, said:
“The explosion occurred in a passenger car moving slowly at a traffic signal, causing damage to surrounding vehicles. Teams from Delhi Police, FSL, NIA, and NSG are on the ground, and updates are being regularly shared with the Home Minister.”

Destruction and Casualties

The blast caused significant structural damage in the area. Beyond the destroyed vehicles, shops and nearby buildings suffered shattered windows and broken doors, while fire spread rapidly, affecting buses and other vehicles. So far, 8 people have died, and 16 have been injured, with six in critical condition and one in stable condition.

Eyewitnesses described the blast as a “nightmarish scene,” with streets littered with debris and blood. One survivor recounted how debris from the explosion struck his car, killing a man instantly. Firefighters and emergency responders are working to extinguish remaining flames and transport victims to hospitals.

Security Measures and Investigation

Authorities have extended high alert measures to Delhi-NCR, particularly along the Delhi-Gurugram border, where all vehicles, especially those from other states, are being carefully checked. The Red Fort and Chandni Chowk areas remain cordoned off, and police are urging residents to stay indoors and report any suspicious activity.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Situation

The explosion has sent shockwaves through the capital, disrupting the evening commute and evacuating tourists from the historic Red Fort area. Fire tenders and ambulances worked tirelessly to control the blaze and assist the injured. Authorities have pledged swift justice and intensified surveillance across the city.

As Delhi grapples with the immediate aftermath, the nation waits for clarity on those responsible for this brazen attack at the symbolic heart of India.