Overview of the Incident
On Monday evening, a car parked near the Red Fort in Delhi exploded with a powerful force. The area is always jammed with locals and tourists. The explosive created a huge fire that spread to some other vehicles too. Nine people died, while about 20 other people were injured. Three of them are in serious condition. Authorities declared a red alert across the nation and stepped up security checks across many cities.
All complaints should be responded to and investigated immediately
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation at a high level. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to top Delhi Police officials, directing a detailed investigation into the incident. The blast occurred near the traffic signal near the Lal Qila Metro Station. The injured were admitted to LNJP Hospital. NIA and forensic teams are investigating whether it was an accidental explosion or part of a planned terrorist act.
Order of Events
The blast occurred at approximately 6:52 PM near the Red Fort Gate Number One. In a few minutes, several cars, autorickshaws, and bikes started to burn. Quick operational firefighters put off the flames by 7:29 PM with 10 fire engines. Many vehicles were reduced to cinders completely. Eyewitness accounts spoke of scenes of panic and dread. Some said that the explosion was so powerful that they heard the sound several kilometres away, including ITO.
Details About the Blast
Six cars, two e-rickshaws and an auto-rickshaw were destroyed. Windows of the vehicles in a few meters radius also shattered due to the impact of the blast. Initially, officials suspected a car that was parked exploded, but later it was identified as Hyundai i20. Three persons were seen on the vehicle before the blast; eyewitnesses say,
The car was registered in Haryana in the name of Mohammed Salman. He was detained from Gurugram and interrogated by the police. Salman said he had sold the car to a person in Okhla who sold it later in Ambala. Investigators are verifying these leads and tracing all the people who were part of this car's sale.
Was It a Remote-Controlled Explosion?
While the authorities have not confirmed the detonation of explosives, the scale of the destruction does suggest that it could be so. Curiously missing were pieces of metal fragments, nails, or wires at the site, supposed to be common at sites of deliberate explosions. There was no crater either to suggest what caused it. The investigators are checking the CCTV footage and mobile tower data to ascertain the source and the nature of the explosion.
Government and Security Reactions
Prime Minister Modi condoled the loss of lives and hoped for the recovery of injured people soon. He spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah, who later visited the site and the hospital. Shah said all possibilities, including terrorism, are being examined. He ordered the NIA and NSG to lend support in collecting evidence and forensic analysis.
Security has been tightened across Delhi and in other major cities, including Mumbai. The Chandni Chowk Market will remain shut on Tuesday as a precautionary measure.
Reactions of Leaders Across the Country
- A. Revanth Reddy (Telangana CM): He felt deeply shocked and offered his condolences to the families of the victims.
- BRS' K.T. Rama Rao described the incident as heartbreaking and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
- N. Chandrababu Naidu (AP CM): Termed the blast as shocking and offered condolences.
- Pawan Kalyan (Deputy CM): Condemned the act; said strict action would be taken once it was confirmed to be a terrorist attack. While condemning the incident, State BJP President PVN Madhav has expressed his condolences and wished for the recovery of the injured. Current Scenario Meanwhile, authorities pursue every clue about the cause of the explosion. The area remains under tight security while every piece of evidence is scrutinized. The government has promised to handle the matter with transparency and dispatch once the facts are ascertained.
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