A major explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening created chaos in one of the city’s busiest areas, leaving at least ten people dead and 24 injured. The blast, which occurred in a moving car close to Gate No. 1, sparked a massive fire and gutted several nearby vehicles. Authorities have yet to confirm if it was a terror-related incident.
Blast Near Red Fort Sparks Panic
Eyewitnesses said the explosion happened around 6:45 pm, shaking the area near Chandni Chowk. Thick black smoke rose above the historic Red Fort as flames spread to vehicles parked along the road.
Panic gripped the crowded stretch as shopkeepers and commuters ran for safety. “The blast was so loud that it felt like an earthquake. Our building, nearly 800 metres away, shook,” said Sanjay Bhargaw, president of the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association.
Videos shared on social media showed charred vehicles and bodies lying near the blast site. Delhi Fire Services deployed ten fire tenders to the scene, bringing the flames under control by 7:29 pm.
Police said “Too Early to Confirm Bomb Blast”
Delhi Police said the explosion took place inside a Maruti Eeco car that was destroyed.
A senior police officer told Hindustan Times, “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 Eeco car, which was the source of the blast, had two to three occupants and was completely mangled. Forensic teams are collecting samples.”
Officials said at least six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one autorickshaw were gutted in the fire that followed the explosion.
NIA, Forensic Teams Join Investigation
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has joined the probe along with Delhi Police Special Cell and forensic experts. Teams are examining debris and vehicle remains to determine the cause of the explosion.
Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora visited the site and reviewed the security arrangements. A high alert has been sounded across the capital, especially near key government buildings and metro stations.
Senior officers said it was too early to confirm whether the incident was linked to any terror plot, but the timing of the blast has raised suspicion, given a recent arms seizure in Faridabad.
Recent Faridabad Seizure Raises Alarm
Just hours before the explosion, Haryana Police, in coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police, arrested Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, a Kashmiri doctor linked to a suspected terror module. Authorities seized nearly 360 kg of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with arms, ammunition, and timers, from his rented home in Faridabad, about 40 km from the blast site.
Investigators are now examining possible links between the two incidents, though officials have not confirmed any connection yet. The seizure had already triggered a security review in Delhi and NCR.
Security Tightened Across Delhi
Following the Red Fort explosion, Delhi Police have set up checkpoints across the city and increased patrolling in crowded markets, metro stations, and tourist areas.
Forensic experts from the CFSL (Central Forensic Science Laboratory) are expected to share a preliminary report within 24 hours.
