A powerful blast near Red Fort on Monday evening has left nine people dead and 20 others injured, triggering panic in one of the capital’s busiest areas. The explosion occurred at around 6:52 pm inside a Hyundai i20 car near the Red Fort Metro Station, officials confirmed.
According to police and eyewitnesses, the explosion was so severe that several nearby vehicles were damaged, and mangled remains were seen strewn across the area. Authorities have sounded a high alert across Delhi, with additional security measures deployed in key zones and around major landmarks.
UAPA Sections Invoked; Possible Terror Angle Under Probe
The Delhi Police Special Cell has registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) following initial forensic analysis and intelligence inputs hinting at possible terror involvement. Investigators from multiple agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Crime Branch, have joined the probe.
Preliminary reports suggest the blast was triggered using high-grade explosives. Forensic experts are currently examining samples from the blast site to identify the materials used and determine whether a remote detonation device was involved.
Massive Cache of Explosives Recovered in Haryana
The blast came just hours after the Jammu and Kashmir Police uncovered a huge cache of explosives weighing nearly 3,000 kg from two residential buildings in Faridabad, Haryana. The materials included around 350 kg of ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer that can easily be converted into a deadly bomb.
The seizure was made following the interrogation of Dr. Adil Rather, a J&K-based doctor arrested for alleged terror links. Officials are now probing whether there is any connection between the Faridabad explosives and the Red Fort car blast.
Security Tightened Across the Capital
Post the incident, security has been ramped up at all key installations, railway stations, airports, and government buildings. Sniffer dogs and bomb disposal squads have been deployed, and surveillance footage from the vicinity is being analyzed to track possible suspects.
A senior Delhi Police official said, The nature of the blast indicates a planned attack. We are not ruling out any possibility at this stage. The investigation is being treated as a case of suspected terrorism.
Public Advised to Stay Alert
Authorities have urged citizens to stay calm but vigilant and report any suspicious activity to nearby police stations. Emergency services have been placed on standby, and the injured are being treated at Lok Nayak and Maulana Azad hospitals.
