Massive Car Blast Near Delhi’s Red Fort Leaves 9 Dead, 28 Injured
Deadly Car Blast Near Delhi’s Red Fort Kills 9, Injures 28; NIA Takes Over Probe Under UAPA: A powerful explosion from a white Hyundai i20 car near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Kila (Red Fort) Metro Station on Monday evening has left nine people dead and at least 28 injured, sending shockwaves across the national capital and the entire country.
According to Delhi Police, the explosion took place around 6:52 pm, when the car — bearing a Haryana registration number — slowed to a stop at a traffic signal before erupting in a massive blast. The impact was so devastating that several nearby vehicles were torn apart, the metro station premises shook, and the explosion’s sound could be heard miles away.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and horror. Dismembered bodies and debris were strewn across the road, while smoke and flames engulfed the immediate area. Rescue teams, including the Delhi Fire Service, police, and NDRF units, rushed to the spot.
The Delhi Police has registered a case under Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant provisions of the Anti-Terror Laws at Kotwali Police Station. The probe has been officially transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with assistance from the Crime Branch, Special Cell, National Security Guard (NSG), and forensic experts.
Authorities are examining CCTV footage to determine how the vehicle reached the location and whether the blast was triggered remotely or through a timed device. Early reports suggest it could be a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), similar to past terror attacks.
Meanwhile, defense analyst Anil Gaur has raised the possibility of terrorist involvement, pointing to the recent seizure of 2,900 kg of explosive chemicals in Haryana. He hinted that Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI could be behind the attack, attempting to destabilize India amid the ongoing Bihar elections and upcoming state polls in West Bengal and others.
“Such acts are often aimed at creating unrest and influencing national mood during politically sensitive times. India’s response, if this proves to be a cross-border plot, could be decisive — possibly after the elections,” Gaur said.
Security agencies are also investigating reports that 20 second-hand cars were sold on the same day as the Pulwama blast years ago — a detail being examined for potential links to the modus operandi behind this attack.
The area around Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Delhi Gate has been sealed off. Bomb disposal squads have been deployed to check for any secondary devices, while security has been heightened at metro stations, government buildings, and public gatherings across Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have been briefed on the situation. The Prime Minister expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced compensation for the victims’ families, while urging citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading rumors.
As Operation Sindoor — India’s ongoing counter-terror initiative — continues, investigators believe this attack may have broader implications. The NIA’s preliminary findings are expected in the coming days, which will determine whether this was a coordinated terror strike or a local sabotage attempt.
A terror-linked car explosion near one of India’s most iconic landmarks has left nine dead and dozens injured. With the NIA, NSG, and Delhi Police joining forces, the nation waits for answers — and possibly, a strong response once the culprits are identified.
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