At Least Eight Killed in Car Bomb Blast Near Delhi’s Red Fort

NEW DELHI – A powerful car bomb explosion ripped through a congested street near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and wounding at least 20 others, according to police and local media reports.

The blast, which sent shockwaves through the Indian capital, occurred at approximately 6:50 p.m. local time (13:30 GMT) on a key thoroughfare in the city’s old quarter, a densely populated area teeming with markets and commuters.

Chaos and Response at the Scene

New Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha provided initial details at the scene, stating that a “slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged.”

Videos shared on social media and broadcast by local news channels showed the charred and twisted wreckage of several cars and three-wheeled autorickshaws, with black smoke billowing into the sky. A large contingent of police, forensic experts, and National Security Guard (NSG) commandos swiftly cordoned off the area, pushing back gathering crowds and securing the perimeter for investigation.

According to New Delhi’s deputy fire chief, the blast caused six vehicles and three autorickshaws to catch fire, indicating the intensity of the explosion.

High Alert and Ongoing Investigation

The immediate aftermath of the attack triggered a nationwide security scare. The neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh and India’s financial capital, Mumbai, were placed on high alert, with security beefed up at key transportation hubs and public spaces.

While no group has immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, authorities have launched a massive investigation. A senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that “all angles are being investigated, but the nature of the explosion suggests a deliberate act of terror.” Forensic teams are combing the site for evidence to determine the type of explosive used.

A Symbolic Target and a Shattered Calm

The choice of location has raised significant concerns. The 17th-century Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial Mughal palace, is one of India’s most iconic landmarks and a major tourist attraction. The area around it, particularly near the Red Fort metro station, is perpetually crowded.

Amit Baruah, an independent journalist speaking to Al Jazeera, described the area as “one of the most crowded parts of the city,” making it “vulnerable” to attacks. He noted that the incident “shatters the calm of the capital city after a long time,” referring to a period without a major terrorist attack in New Delhi.

Official Condemnation and Public Concern

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “cowardly attack” in a statement, offering condolences to the families of the victims and vowing that “the perpetrators will not be spared.” Home Minister Amit Shah has convened an emergency meeting with top security officials to assess the situation.

The explosion has sent a wave of anxiety through the city. “This is an incident that will definitely cause concern to ordinary people living not just in that area but around,” Baruah noted, capturing the public mood.

As the investigation continues, security has been further tightened across Delhi, with heightened vigilance at markets, airports, and railway stations. The attack marks a grim return of large-scale urban violence to the heart of the Indian capital.

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