Delhi Red Fort Blast 9 Dead, 20 Injured as Terror Probe Begins

New Delhi: A powerful explosion near the Red Fort on Tuesday evening sent shockwaves through the national capital, leaving at least nine people dead and around twenty others injured. The blast, which occurred near a parked car close to the historic monument, took place around 6:40 PM when the area was bustling with evening visitors.

According to Delhi Police officials, the explosion originated from a white sedan that was parked close to the fort’s main gate. The impact was so severe that nearby vehicles caught fire, and window panes of nearby shops were shattered. Firefighters and emergency teams rushed to the scene within minutes, and the injured were immediately taken to LNJP and RML hospitals for treatment.

Preliminary investigations suggest the use of an improvised explosive device (IED). Senior officers from the Delhi Police Special Cell and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have joined the probe. Police sources said they have found some metal fragments and electronic components from the site, which are being sent for forensic analysis.

In view of the severity of the incident, authorities have invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to investigate possible terror links. A massive security cordon has been placed around the Red Fort area, and the monument will remain closed to visitors for the next three days. Security has also been heightened across other key locations in the city, including India Gate, Parliament House, and major metro stations.

Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, who visited the site, confirmed that the blast was deliberate and that every angle — including cross-border terror involvement — is being examined. “This was not an accident. We are treating it as a case of terror activity,” he stated.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic following the explosion. “We heard a loud bang, and then saw flames and smoke rising from the car. People started running in all directions,” said Rakesh Sharma, a vendor near the Red Fort.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The investigation continues, and authorities have appealed to the public to stay calm and avoid spreading rumours on social media.