Red Fort Blast: Nine Dead, Lal Qila Metro Closed As Delhi Boosts Security

Delhi’s historic heart was shaken on Monday evening as a powerful blast near the iconic Red Fort claimed nine lives and left at least 20 injured. The explosion occurred in one of the city’s busiest and most secure areas, jolting residents, tourists, and commuters alike. In the immediate aftermath, the Lal Qila Metro Station was temporarily closed, while the rest of Delhi’s metro network continued operations, highlighting the delicate balance of urban security and mobility in the national capital.

The incident unfolded around 6:52 pm, when a white Hyundai i20 came to a halt at the Red Fort traffic signal and detonated. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as vehicles caught fire and smoke filled the congested Subhash Marg intersection. Rescue teams quickly arrived, evacuating the injured to Lok Nayak Hospital, while first responders combed through debris to ensure no further threat lingered. The city’s skyline, usually defined by the silhouette of the historic fort, was momentarily eclipsed by smoke and confusion, a stark reminder of how quickly public spaces can be disrupted.

Investigation Underway

Delhi’s authorities swung into action immediately. Teams from the Delhi Crime Branch, Special Branch, NSG, and NIA are investigating all possible angles, reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas and examining debris for clues. Preliminary evidence suggested potential terror links, prompting the invocation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). While the investigation is still evolving, officials emphasized that the vehicle carried a Haryana registration number and the incident coincided with heightened vigilance across the region.

In tandem with the blast probe, Delhi Police, along with security agencies, ramped up surveillance at critical locations including IGI Airport, government offices, and public transport hubs. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) also heightened monitoring around the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, the latter being a bustling marketplace that sees nearly half a million visitors daily. Authorities opted to keep the market closed as a precaution, underscoring the importance of preemptive safety measures in high-traffic areas.

Nationwide Alert Status

The reverberations of the blast extended beyond Delhi. States across northern and western India—Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and the poll-bound Bihar—have been placed on high alert. Surveillance has been intensified in major cities including Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. Officials stress that public safety remains paramount, and citizens have been urged to remain vigilant while authorities coordinate intelligence and security operations.

Adding to the tension, on the same day, police in Faridabad, just 50 kilometres from Delhi, recovered a massive 2,900 kg cache of explosives. While there is no confirmed link between the two events, the timing has amplified concerns over regional security, prompting a more proactive approach in monitoring suspicious activity and securing sensitive locations.

The Red Fort blast is a stark reminder that even historic, heavily patrolled areas are not immune to modern security challenges. For locals and travellers navigating Delhi, the incident reinforces the importance of vigilance, situational awareness, and patience during heightened security periods. While investigations continue, the city grapples with the immediate shock and the long-term implications for safety, public transport, and tourism in one of India’s most iconic urban spaces.

As Delhi slowly resumes its rhythm, the temporary closure of Lal Qila Metro Station and the shuttered lanes of Chandni Chowk reflect a city pausing to recalibrate, ensuring that history’s grandeur does not come at the cost of human lives.

FAQs

1. What happened near Red Fort?
A high-intensity car blast near Red Fort killed nine people and injured at least 20.

2. Is Lal Qila Metro operational?
The Lal Qila Metro Station has been temporarily closed; all other Delhi Metro stations remain open.

3. What areas are on alert?
States including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar are on high alert.

4. Which agencies are investigating?
The Delhi Crime Branch, Special Branch, NSG, and NIA are investigating, with forensic analysis ongoing.

5. What safety measures are in place?
CISF and police have heightened vigilance at Delhi-NCR installations, markets, airports, and government offices.