Delhi Red Fort Car Blast Kills 8, Police Probe Links to Kashmir Arrests

A car explosion near the iconic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening has claimed the lives of eight people, triggering a high-profile investigation into possible terror links. Authorities are examining whether the blast is connected to recent arrests of seven men in Indian-administered Kashmir and the seizure of 2,900kg of explosives from Faridabad.

The incident occurred at 18:52 local time, when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a busy traffic signal and erupted in flames. Footage from the scene shows the remains of a charred white Hyundai i20 along with other damaged vehicles, including autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

Indian officials have described the attack as “a heinous terror incident perpetrated by anti-national forces.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to it as a “conspiracy,” assuring that “all those responsible will be brought to justice.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah echoed similar sentiments, with Shah directing officials to “hunt down each and every culprit behind this incident.”

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s counter-terrorism enforcement body, has officially taken over the case. Investigators are reviewing extensive documents and examining multiple angles, including possible links between the Delhi blast, the recent arrests in Kashmir, and the Faridabad explosives seizure.

Earlier, police in Jammu and Kashmir arrested seven individuals, including two doctors, citing the existence of a “white-collar terror ecosystem.” Authorities reported seizing weapons, including two automatic rifles, and 2,900kg of bomb-making material. Investigators are also looking into a man shown in viral photos as the alleged driver of the car used in the Delhi explosion, although details remain unconfirmed.

The Red Fort area remains closed while investigations continue. Authorities have not yet released information on the car’s ownership or the precise cause of the explosion. Meanwhile, unverified reports and leaks in local media have fueled speculation, but police have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and every lead is being carefully examined.

This tragic blast highlights ongoing concerns over urban security and the growing challenges of detecting coordinated terror activity in India’s capital. Authorities continue to urge citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as the NIA leads a thorough probe.