Red Fort Blast: 8 Dead, 20 Injured After Car Explosion in Delhi; Pulwama Link Emerges, Cities on High Alert
New Delhi — A massive explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening left at least eight people dead and 20 others injured, sending shockwaves across the national capital and prompting a nationwide security alert. The blast, which ripped through a moving Hyundai i20 car around 6:50 pm, occurred near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station — one of the city’s busiest areas.
The Explosion and Immediate Aftermath
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the powerful explosion tore through the vehicle, shattering nearby streetlights and damaging several other cars in the vicinity. The blast triggered a fire that spread quickly, forcing pedestrians and commuters to flee in panic.
“The explosion was so loud that it felt like the ground shook beneath us,” said one eyewitness. “People were screaming and running in every direction. I fell down twice while trying to escape.”
Fire tenders and police teams rushed to the spot, cordoning off the area within minutes. Rescue operations continued late into the night, as investigators sifted through debris to determine the cause of the blast.
Investigation and Early Leads
Officials confirmed that the vehicle carried a Haryana registration number. The registered owner, identified as Salman, has been detained for questioning. However, preliminary investigation has revealed that the car had changed hands multiple times before the incident.
Sources said the vehicle was last sold to a man named Tariq, a resident of Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir — a detail that has drawn attention to a possible cross-state connection. Investigators suspect that fake documents may have been used in the sale and transfer of the vehicle.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the explosion took place when the car came to a halt at a red light. “At around 6:52 pm, a slow-moving vehicle stopped at the traffic signal near Red Fort. An explosion occurred inside the vehicle, damaging nearby vehicles and injuring several bystanders,” he said.
National Response and Security Measures
Following the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Agency (NSA) have been roped in to probe all possible angles — including terror links. He confirmed that the Centre is coordinating with Delhi Police and intelligence agencies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. “I have reviewed the situation with the Home Minister and other officials. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” he said in a statement.
The blast comes just hours after police uncovered an interstate terror module and seized nearly 2,900 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in explosives, from Faridabad. However, officials have clarified that the Red Fort explosion appears unrelated to that operation.
Cities on High Alert
In the aftermath of the explosion, high alerts were issued across major Indian cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, Noida, Hyderabad, and Chandigarh.
In Kolkata, police intensified security checks at transport hubs, markets, and railway stations. Noida Police stepped up patrolling in Sector 18 and other crowded zones, with additional personnel deployed around metro stations.
Punjab Police have sounded a red alert, instructing all district headquarters to remain vigilant and to conduct strict checks at borders and sensitive areas. In Hyderabad, Commissioner VC Sajjanar urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious persons or objects to authorities.
Even Himachal Pradesh has been placed on alert, with DGP Ashok Tiwari ordering enhanced vigilance at all interstate entry points.
Unanswered Questions
As the investigation deepens, several critical questions remain unanswered — including the exact cause of the explosion and how the car changed ownership multiple times without detection. Forensic experts are currently examining the remnants of the vehicle to determine whether the blast was caused by explosives, a fuel malfunction, or another source.
For now, the Red Fort explosion has reignited concerns over urban security, particularly around Delhi’s high-density tourist zones. With the probe widening across multiple states, officials say the next 48 hours will be crucial in uncovering the truth behind one of the most alarming incidents in the capital in recent years.
