Deadly Car Explosion Near New Delhi’s Red Fort Investigated as Potential Terror Attack

New Delhi Car Explosion Kills Eight, Investigated Under Anti-Terrorism Law

A car explosion near New Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday killed at least eight people and injured several others. Authorities are investigating the blast under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, exploring potential links to terrorism, explosives, or accidental causes.

Blast Hits Historic Red Fort Area

The explosion occurred near a traffic signal outside the 17th-century Red Fort, a major tourist attraction in Old Delhi, damaging nearby vehicles and causing widespread chaos. Photos from the scene showed shattered windows, twisted metal, and flames engulfing several cars.

Police said the blast appeared to originate from a Hyundai i20, but the occupants were believed to have been killed. Authorities were tracing the car’s ownership and examining forensic evidence to determine whether explosives were involved.

Investigation Under Anti-Terrorism Law

Senior police officials confirmed that a case had been filed under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, which grants broader powers to investigate suspected terrorist incidents, including detaining suspects. Officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case.

Delhi police spokesman Sanjay Tyagi said investigators were exploring “all possible angles, including a terror attack, an accidental blast, or any kind of mechanical failure in the car.” He noted that the final conclusions would depend on the forensic team’s report on whether explosives were used.

Potential Links to Arms Seizure in Haryana

Authorities are also examining possible connections between the New Delhi blast and a separate incident in Faridabad, Haryana, on Monday. Police recovered 360 kilograms (793 pounds) of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used for explosives, along with an assault rifle and a pistol in the neighboring city, which borders the capital.

Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed that all angles were being investigated and that security agencies would review footage from nearby cameras to aid the probe.

Security Heightened Across Capital and Beyond

Following the explosion, major train stations, the international airport, metro system, and government buildings were placed on heightened security alert. Additional personnel from the security force guarding key installations were deployed to monitor the city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting Bhutan at the time, assured that investigators would “get to the bottom of this conspiracy” and that “the conspirators won’t be spared, and all those responsible will be brought to justice.”

Red Fort and Its Significance

The Red Fort, a sprawling Mughal-era complex, is not only a top tourist attraction but also a symbolic location for national events. Indian prime ministers traditionally deliver Independence Day speeches from the fort on August 15 each year. The area around the fort is typically crowded, connecting to busy Old Delhi markets and thoroughfares.