Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to assess the ongoing investigation into the car blast that rocked Delhi near the Red Fort on Monday evening. The explosion has so far claimed eight lives and left over two dozen people injured.
Shah, who personally visited the explosion site on Monday night, said that all possible angles would be examined. He emphasized that investigators are working to determine whether the incident was a terrorist attack. Later, he visited Lok Narayan Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital to meet the injured and check on their condition.
Blast triggers nationwide security alert
The explosion in the national capital has led to a nationwide high alert, with police across major cities tightening vehicle checks and surveillance. The case is being jointly investigated by multiple security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG).
According to officials, the incident occurred around 6:55 pm on Monday, when a Hyundai i20 suddenly exploded near Red Fort Metro Station Gate No. 1. The blast set off a massive fire that destroyed several nearby vehicles and injured more than 24 people.
“All nearby CCTV cameras are being examined. I have spoken to the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Special Branch in-charge, both of whom are present at the site. We are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation. The findings will be shared with the public,” said the Home Minister.
Car parked for hours before the blast
A report by The Indian Express revealed that the vehicle had been parked near the Red Fort for more than three hours before it began moving slowly in the area.
CCTV footage reportedly shows the Hyundai i20 entering a parking area close to the monument at 3:19 pm and leaving around 6:48 pm, just minutes before the explosion.
A senior police official said, “We are analysing footage from nearby roads and toll barriers to map the full movement of the car.”
Security tightened in Delhi and other cities
Following the blast, Delhi Police, NSG, and other security teams cordoned off the affected area and stepped up patrols around Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, and other crowded parts of the city.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has increased surveillance at key locations, including Delhi Metro stations, government offices, the Red Fort, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Authorities in other major cities have also increased vigilance. In Mumbai, police have intensified checks at airports, railway stations, and other busy public spaces to prevent any similar incidents.
Investigation continues amid rising concerns
The Red Fort blast has shaken the national capital and raised security concerns across India. Investigators are still examining the cause of the explosion and the motive behind it.
The government has assured that all agencies are working together to uncover the truth. As Amit Shah stated, the probe will be “thorough and transparent,” and the findings will soon be shared with the public.