Red Fort car explosion kills 8 in New Delhi
A devastating car explosion near the Red Fort in India's capital, New Delhi, on Monday evening left at least eight people dead and 20 injured, according to Reuters.
The incident is a rare and shocking event in the massive metropolitan area, home to over 30 million residents and considered one of the most heavily secured locations in the country.
The blast occurred around 7:00 PM local time on a bustling street in the old quarter, near a metro station. Police Commissioner Satish Golcha reported that a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a traffic light when the blast occurred, damaging several other vehicles nearby. "The explosion occurred inside that vehicle, and nearby cars were heavily damaged," Golcha stated.
The force of the blast was immense. Witnesses described a powerful bang, followed by flames and immediate panic. "I was at the metro when I heard an explosion. When I turned back, I saw fire and people running in all directions," said local resident Suman Mishra.
In the wake of the explosion, six cars and three passenger motorized rickshaws caught fire. Dozens of ambulances and fire crews were rapidly mobilized, and the area was completely sealed off by police.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the victims' families, assuring the public that authorities are providing comprehensive support to those affected and that the injured are receiving immediate medical care.
Media outlet NDTV reported that the former owner of the vehicle, identified only as Salman, was detained, though the police have yet to officially confirm the arrest.
India on High Alert
Following the fatal blast, major railway stations, the city of Mumbai, and the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh were placed under a heightened Delhi security alert. The Federal Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Amit Shah, announced that "all leads are being analyzed" and security agencies expect to "soon reach a conclusion."
The US Embassy in Delhi issued a separate security alert for American citizens, advising them to avoid crowded areas, particularly around the Red Fort.
Investigation Under Anti-Terrorism Law
The Delhi police have opened an investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This is India's primary anti-terrorism law, invoked when investigating acts that threaten the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Red Fort (Lal Qila), a 17th-century structure built during the Mughal Empire, is one of India's most significant historical landmarks. It is the customary location from which the Indian Prime Minister delivers the annual Independence Day speech on August 15.
Delhi has a history of security incidents, the most severe being a 2011 briefcase explosion outside the High Court, which claimed approximately 12 lives.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
