Bloodshed at Red Fort, Capital rattled: Probe agencies scour blast site for clues

The explosion in a slow-moving car in the Red Fort area that killed nine persons and injured multiple others on Monday was heard 3 km away. The intensity of the blast has surprised locals as also probe agencies.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said, “Today at around 6.52 pm, an explosion occurred in a slow-moving vehicle having occupants at a traffic signal. Other vehicles also caught fire after the explosion. All agencies — the Delhi Police, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) are taking stock of the situation.”

“Investigation is underway. Some deaths happened and a few people got injured. The situation is being regularly monitored. The Home Minister is being regularly briefed,” he added.

Sensing the intensity of the explosion, a multiple agency comprising the Delhi Police Special Cell, the NIA and the NSG carried out extensive search at the site of the blast.

As per sources, the owner of the car, Mohammad Salman, was detained, but he disclosed that he had sold it Devender of Okhla. The vehicle was further sold to a man in Ambala and and inputs have been shared with the Haryana Police. A team of UP ATS also reached the spot.

Moreover, the NSG’s bomb disposal unit also visited the site to trace the nature of the blast.

Oppn condemns incident

Expressing condolences to the affected families, AAP posted on X, “The explosion near the Red Fort is extremely painful and alarming. Reports indicate that several people have lost their lives. The Centre and the police should immediately conduct an investigation and bring the truth to light. Such a major lapse in the security of the capital cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.”

Delhi Congress posted on X, “We appeal to the residents of Delhi to maintain peace and urge the administration to ensure everyone’s safety.”

First blast to take place in 14 years

In 1996, a powerful blast ripped through Lajpat Nagar market, killing 13 people and injuring dozens

Just a year later, a chain of explosions rocked multiple parts from Sadar Bazaar and Karol Bagh to Rani Bagh, Chandni Chowk and even a moving bus in Punjabi Bagh

In December 2000, a terror group opened fire inside the Red Fort complex, killing two people. A year later, Parliament attack of December 2001 once again placed Delhi at the centre of terror, claiming the lives of nine security personnel and staff members

In 2005, a series of coordinated explosions just two days before Diwali tore through Paharganj, Sarojini Nagar and a DTC bus in Govindpuri, killing over 67 people and injuring more than 200

In 2008, five near-simultaneous explosions hit Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and Greater Kailash, killing over 20 people

The last major terror strike before Monday’s incident was in 2011, when a briefcase bomb exploded outside the Delhi High Court, leaving 15 dead and 79 injured