Listen to the article
#
A massive explosion rocked Delhi’s Red Fort area on Monday evening, killing at least twelve people and destroying multiple vehicles in what authorities are investigating as a potential terrorist attack. The blast occurred at approximately 6:52 PM in a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car stopped at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed the explosion, which has prompted an immediate security response across the capital. Police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act, indicating authorities are treating this as a terrorism-related incident.
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosive materials used may have included ammonium nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators, according to police sources. The car contained three occupants at the time of the detonation, and investigators are examining whether the incident may have been a suicide bombing.
The explosion comes on the same day that security forces reportedly dismantled a “white-collar” terror module in a joint operation elsewhere in the city, raising questions about potential connections between the incidents. However, officials have not yet confirmed any definitive link.
In the aftermath of the blast, the Red Fort Metro Station was closed to commuters, and authorities implemented traffic restrictions throughout the surrounding area as emergency responders and investigators worked at the scene.
The incident has triggered a wave of misinformation across social media platforms. The government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact-Checking Unit has been actively combating false claims circulating online. In a late-night statement on X (formerly Twitter), the agency debunked a widely shared image purporting to show the Delhi explosion, clarifying that the photograph actually depicted an Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb in Lebanon from September 27, 2024.
The fact-checking unit also refuted claims that Special Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Ravindra Yadav had attributed the blast to a CNG explosion, stating categorically that no such statement had been made by any Delhi Police official.
The explosion represents one of the most serious security incidents in India’s capital in recent years and comes amid heightened concerns about terrorist threats across the country. The Red Fort area, home to one of India’s most iconic historical monuments and a popular tourist destination, has previously been identified as a potential target for terrorist activities.
Security measures across Delhi have been intensified following the blast, with additional personnel deployed at transportation hubs, government buildings, and crowded marketplaces. The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s premier counter-terrorism law enforcement agency, is expected to play a significant role in the investigation.
The incident has drawn condemnation from political leaders across party lines, with many calling for calm while authorities conduct their investigation. Prime Minister’s Office has been monitoring the situation closely, according to government sources.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the explosion ripped through the busy intersection, shattering windows of nearby buildings and sending debris across a wide area. Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are examining CCTV footage from the area and gathering forensic evidence to determine the exact nature of the explosive device and identify those responsible for the attack.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
This is a concerning incident that needs a thorough investigation. Explosives like ammonium nitrate can be devastating if used for terrorism. Hoping the authorities can get to the bottom of this quickly and prevent any further attacks.
Yes, security is paramount in these situations. Glad the police are treating this as a potential terror attack and have opened a case under relevant laws.
Tragic that 12 people lost their lives in this blast. My condolences go out to the victims and their families. Hoping the authorities can quickly apprehend those responsible and prevent any further loss of life.
Yes, the human cost of such attacks is devastating. Thorough investigation and strong action against the perpetrators is essential to uphold security and bring justice for the victims.
Dismantling a ‘white-collar’ terror module on the same day as the Red Fort blast raises worrying questions about potential connections. The authorities will need to carefully examine any links between these two incidents.
Absolutely, the timing and proximity of these events is very suspicious. The investigators will have their work cut out for them trying to uncover any larger plot or network behind these activities.
This is a concerning development, especially given the potential link to a foiled terror module in the city. The authorities will need to work diligently to uncover the full scope of this incident and any broader threats.
While the details are still emerging, the use of explosives like ammonium nitrate and fuel oil suggests this was a well-planned attack. It’s good the police are treating it as a terrorist incident and investigating thoroughly.