Explosion Near Red Fort Metro Station Leaves Eight Dead

A significant explosion occurred on Monday evening near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi, resulting in the deaths of at least eight individuals and injuring 24 others. Senior officials from the Delhi Police reported that it is currently too early to determine if the explosion was due to a bomb blast.

A senior officer stated, “The explosion happened in a moving car on the road. There is no crater at the spot, so we cannot say if it is a bomb blast. Also, no pellet or splinter injuries have been reported so far, which are common in bomb explosions.” The vehicle involved in the incident was severely damaged, and forensic teams are currently collecting samples from the scene.

The blast, which took place near Gate No 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, ignited a fire that quickly spread, engulfing several vehicles in flames. Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos, with thick smoke filling the air. Videos circulating on social media show charred remains of vehicles and bodies on the road.

Sanjay Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association, shared his experience, stating, “The blast was so loud that it felt like an earthquake. Our building, nearly 800 metres away, shook.”

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been called in to assist in the investigation, while Delhi Police and forensic experts are examining the remnants of the vehicle to ascertain the cause of the explosion. A high alert has been issued across the capital following the incident.

This explosion comes on the heels of a significant police operation in which approximately 360 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with arms and ammunition, were seized from a suspect in Faridabad, Haryana. The suspect, Dr Muzammil Ganaie, is a Kashmiri doctor who was arrested in a collaborative effort between Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir police.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the media regarding the incident, confirming that the explosion occurred in a Hyundai i20 car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort. He stated, “We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account.” He added that he would be visiting the site and the hospital to meet with victims.

The Minister mentioned that teams from the National Security Guard (NSG), NIA, and forensic scientists have commenced a detailed investigation. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity to gather more information about the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

As the investigation continues, the government has assured the public that all available resources will be utilised to uncover the truth behind this tragic event.