New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): A devastating explosion ripped through a white Hyundai i20 near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station in Old Delhi at approximately 6:52 p.m. IST, claiming the lives of eight individuals and injuring nearly 20–30 others, as confirmed by police and eyewitnesses.
The vehicle, registered in Haryana, had slowed at a red light near the metro station when the blast occurred, engulfing nearby cars, e-rickshaws, and an auto-rickshaw in flames. Windows shattered across the area, and debris, including human remains, were scattered over a 20–25 meter radius. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with people fleeing in panic and first responders struggling to control fires.
The Delhi Police has registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections of the Explosives Act, indicating the incident is being treated as a potential terror attack. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Guard (NSG) are assisting with the probe, while forensic teams are examining explosive residues from the car.
Authorities have traced the vehicle to Umar Mohammed, a doctor from Pulwama district, Jammu & Kashmir. Umar’s aunt has confirmed that the photo of the car released by police matches the family-owned Hyundai i20. Investigators are also probing links to a Faridabad-based terror module and exploring possible involvement of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
CCTV footage shows the car moving slowly and parking near the Red Fort area for several hours before the explosion, heightening suspicion of a planned attack.
Casualties and Response: • Deaths: 8 confirmed.
- Injured: Approximately 20–30, receiving treatment at Lok Nayak Hospital and other nearby medical facilities.
- Nearby vehicles, including six cars and two e-rickshaws, caught fire.
- The Red Fort area, a high-traffic tourist and heritage zone, was evacuated, and nearby metro access was temporarily closed.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police have been placed on high alert across Delhi and other major cities. Airports, metro stations, and heritage sites nationwide have increased security measures. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited hospitals and the blast site, stating that “no possibility is being ruled out” and that a thorough investigation is underway.
The Red Fort area is highly symbolic, hosting national events such as the annual Independence Day address by the Prime Minister. Security experts warn that, if confirmed as a terror attack, the blast represents a significant escalation targeting urban, high-visibility areas. The Faridabad module and potential links to JeM and LeT indicate a broader network may be involved.
Authorities continue to investigate, including forensic examination of the vehicle, tracking its movement via CCTV, and interrogating associated individuals. The public has been advised to avoid the Red Fort area and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
