Red Fort Blast: Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that multiple agencies, including the NIA and forensic experts, have joined the investigation into the powerful explosion that killed at least thirteen people near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening.
“Today at around 6.52 pm, a slow-moving vehicle stopped at the red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to the explosion, nearby vehicles were also damaged. All agencies — FSL, NIA — are here… Some people have died, and some have been injured in the incident,” Golcha told reporters.
He added that the situation was being closely monitored, with regular updates shared with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “The Home Minister has also called us, and information is being shared with him from time to time,” Golcha said.
Officials on High Alert After Red Fort Explosion
CRPF DIG Kishor Prasad said it was “too early to say anything” about the cause of the explosion, confirming that he was on his way to the site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Home Minister Amit Shah to seek updates. Shah, in turn, has held separate discussions with the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director, sources confirmed.
According to police reports, a massive explosion ripped through a car near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station at around 6:55 pm. The blast set several nearby vehicles ablaze, damaged street infrastructure, and sent panic through the busy area.
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The Fire Department quickly dispatched seven fire tenders to the scene to douse the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the car erupted in flames. The blast was so loud that it shook buildings nearby, said an eyewitness.
Delhi Police and NIA Begin Joint Investigation
Teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and forensic laboratories are combing through the debris to determine the source of the explosion.
Initial theories suggest the blast may have been triggered by a gas cylinder leak or vehicle battery malfunction, though a terror link has not been ruled out.
A senior police officer said, “We are examining all possibilities. The forensic team is collecting samples from the wreckage.”
Security has been tightened across Delhi, particularly around key government installations and tourist areas. The incident has raised alarm just days after a large cache of ammonium nitrate and arms was seized in Faridabad in a separate investigation involving a Kashmiri doctor.
Authorities have urged citizens not to spread unverified videos or rumours as investigations continue.