According to eyewitnesses, the explosion took place around 6:52 PM when a slow-moving car halted at the red light near the Red Fort Metro Gate. (Photo: Videograb/X/Beatsinbrief)
Delhi Police and forensic teams are still investigating the horrific explosion that ripped through a car near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening. The powerful blast killed several people and injured many others, leaving the capital in shock.
Sources told The Indian Express that two bodies were found without heads and arms, making identification extremely difficult. Eight other victims have been identified, while one more body remains unrecognizable due to third-degree burns on the face.
Officials said DNA testing and forensic reports will help confirm the identities of the deceased. The Red Fort area remains sealed, and multiple agencies, including the NIA, are at the site collecting evidence.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion took place around 6:52 PM when a slow-moving car halted at the red light near the Red Fort Metro Gate. The vehicle suddenly exploded, setting several nearby vehicles on fire and creating chaos in the area.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said, “Today at 6.52 pm a slow-moving vehicle stopped at the red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle and, due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged. Some people have died and some have been injured.”
The fire department said it received the first call at 6:55 PM, and the blaze was brought under control within 40 minutes. However, the intensity of the blast caused extensive damage to surrounding vehicles and shops.
As the investigation deepens, police have detained two individuals linked to the car’s ownership history. The vehicle, a Hyundai i20, was registered in Gurugram, Haryana, and had reportedly changed hands several times before the explosion.
Sandeep Kumar, spokesperson for the Gurugram Police, said, “Two people are currently being questioned regarding the ownership of the vehicle. The vehicle was originally registered in the name of a Gurugram resident identified as Salman, who then sold it.”
He further added, “He had sold the vehicle to a man named Devender, a resident of Okhla, around one and a half years ago. We have handed over Salman to the Delhi Police. Devender has been detained by Delhi Police, and both are being questioned to trace the subsequent sale and establish the complete chain of ownership.”
Officials believe tracing the entire ownership chain may reveal key links to the group behind the explosion.
Home Minister Amit Shah reached the blast site late Monday night. Security forces and forensic teams briefed him about the ongoing rescue and investigation efforts. “He had said that a thorough investigation will be conducted and that no possibility was being ruled out,” an official confirmed.
The Home Minister has also spoken to the Delhi Police Commissioner and senior officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a joint inquiry.
Authorities released a list of injured persons admitted to nearby hospitals, with several still in critical condition.
Delhi remains on high alert, and additional police deployments have been made at major public spots and metro stations across the city.
