Delhi Red Fort Blast: Security has been increased across Delhi and the National Capital Region following a car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening.
The blast occurred at a traffic signal near Gate 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station, killing at least 10 people and injuring about 20 others.
The blast also gutted several vehicles parked nearby, leaving a trail of destruction and fear in one of the capital’s most sensitive areas.
Why is the Security Alert Enforced?
The powerful blast ripped through a Hyundai i20 car, smashing the windowpanes of other vehicles and sending echoes across the building facades. A red alert was immediately sounded across Delhi and its neighboring states, treating the incident as a potential terror attack.
The blast site was soon cordoned off by security agencies, who began an immediate, comprehensive investigation into the causes of the explosion.
Where is the Increased Security being Built Up?
After the blast, security forces tightened vigil at all border points in Delhi, including Ghazipur Border that connects the national capital with Uttar Pradesh. The police are also checking all vehicles passing through these checkpoints.
While the police and security personnel have increased their presence in key places in New Delhi, including Mandi House and railway stations, along with other crowded public spots, dog squads, along with extra security personnel, have been deployed to monitor movement and keep away further incidents.
States bordering Delhi like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra have also been put on high alert, with instructions to the police to increase vigil at religious places, bus terminals, and other public places.
What did the Investigation say about the Blast?
The police have traced the car to a suspect identified as Umar Nabi, a doctor based in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.
The suspect is believed to have links with a terror module previously busted in Faridabad. Police are investigating the incident from all angles, including the possibility that the explosion was not intended but occurred due to panic and hurry while transporting explosives.
The police have collected DNA samples to identify the suspect, and are studying CCTV footage, vehicle registration details, and mobile phone data in order to reconstruct the events that led to the blast. Although a suicide attack cannot be completely ruled out, early evidence indicates it could have been an accidental detonation.
What does this Blast Imply in the bigger scheme?
The incident near the Red Fort, a major symbol of India’s heritage, has brought to the fore vulnerabilities in urban security. Increased security in NCR has caused quite some inconvenience to commuters, though the motive behind this is not to allow any further incident.
Authorities have called on citizens to be vigilant, report any abandoned vehicles or suspicious activities, and fully cooperate with law enforcement. There are restrictions imposed on metro stations functioning around the Red Fort area, and access to many public areas has been restricted as well for safety purposes.
