New Delhi was rocked by panic and chaos on Friday afternoon after a massive explosion occurred near the Red Fort Metro Station. According to early reports, the blast took place inside a parked car, shattering the windows of nearby shops and damaging the Lal Mandir Temple situated close to the site.
Initial accounts suggest that several people may have been injured in the incident, though official confirmation from the police and the National Security Guard (NSG) is still awaited. Security forces have cordoned off the area, and a forensic team has been deployed to investigate the source and nature of the explosion.
Panic Near a Historic Landmark
The Red Fort, one of Delhi’s most iconic and heavily visited landmarks, attracts thousands of tourists and commuters daily. The explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station, just meters away from the temple and the busy Chandni Chowk area, caused immediate panic among locals.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a “loud bang” followed by smoke rising from a parked car. Shopkeepers in the area said the blast shattered glass panes and triggered alarm among pedestrians. One eyewitness, Rajeev Sharma, said, “We heard a huge explosion and ran for safety. The entire area was filled with smoke.”
The Delhi Police, NSG, and fire brigade teams swiftly reached the site. Bomb disposal squads are currently combing the area to ensure no secondary devices are present.
Preliminary Investigation Underway
Officials have not yet confirmed whether the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), a gas cylinder blast, or some other source. Forensic experts are analyzing debris samples from the damaged car to determine the type of explosive used.
According to a senior Delhi Police official, “It is too early to confirm the cause of the blast. We are examining CCTV footage, and all angles — including sabotage — are being investigated.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly sought an immediate report on the incident, and additional security has been deployed around major public places, including railway stations and markets.
Delhi’s Troubled History with Explosions
Friday’s blast is a chilling reminder of Delhi’s long and tragic history of bomb attacks. Over the past two decades, the national capital has witnessed several major explosions that claimed lives and left deep scars:
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October 2005: A series of blasts ahead of Diwali killed over 60 people in crowded markets like Sarojini Nagar and Paharganj.
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September 2008: Five coordinated explosions across Delhi killed 30 people and injured over 100. The Indian Mujahideen later claimed responsibility.
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September 2011: A powerful blast outside the Delhi High Court killed 15 people and injured more than 70.
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2013–2014: Multiple low-intensity blasts targeted busy areas and railway stations, though casualties were limited.
The latest incident near the Red Fort serves as a grim reminder that Delhi remains a high-risk target for both terror outfits and organized criminal groups.
Security on High Alert
In response to the explosion, Delhi has been placed on high alert. Police checkpoints have been set up across central and northern Delhi. Metro services near the Red Fort station were briefly suspended as a precautionary measure but have since resumed with enhanced security screening.
Senior officials have urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading rumors. The Delhi Police also appealed for cooperation, asking people to share any video or eyewitness evidence that may assist in the investigation.
A police spokesperson added, “We are treating this as a serious matter. The capital’s security agencies are coordinating closely to ensure public safety.”
