Two Arrested After Deadly Car Explosion Near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station
Delhi: A devastating car explosion near Gate No. 1 of Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening has claimed nine lives and injured around 20 others, prompting a nationwide security alert.
The blast involved a white Hyundai i20 with registration HR26CE7674, which had been parked at the site for over three hours before the detonation. Several nearby vehicles were also gutted by the fire, intensifying the chaos in the area.
CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that a masked individual was seen driving the Hyundai i20 minutes before the explosion. The vehicle entered the parking area around 3:19 pm and remained there until the blast occurred at approximately 6:30 pm.
Authorities are still investigating whether the explosion is linked to terrorist activities, examining all possible angles to determine the motive behind this deadly incident.
In a significant development, Delhi Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the blast. The suspects, identified as Salman and Devender, were previously associated with the ownership of the vehicle. Police officials are tracing detailed records of the car’s sale and ownership to uncover further links and gather evidence.
The arrests mark the first breakthrough in an ongoing investigation being conducted under Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which deal with terrorist acts and support for terrorism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level meeting at the Home Ministry on Tuesday morning to review the situation. Senior officials, including the Delhi Police Commissioner and the Intelligence Bureau chief, participated in the discussion. The focus of the meeting was to ensure a coordinated investigation, enhance surveillance, and prevent any further incidents in the capital.
In response to the explosion, heightened security measures have been enforced in Delhi and major cities including Bengaluru and Mumbai. Airports, railway stations, bus terminals, and crowded marketplaces have come under increased scrutiny.
Police officials have been instructed to enhance patrolling, conduct lodge inspections, and question out-of-state visitors. Karnataka Police and other state agencies have also been directed to implement precautionary measures to prevent similar incidents.
The international community has expressed concern over the explosion. The European Union Ambassador to India, Hervé Delphin, extended condolences to the families of the victims and conveyed solidarity with India. The U.S. State Department confirmed that it is monitoring the situation closely, emphasizing support for victims and urging prompt recovery for those injured.
Authorities continue to investigate all aspects of the incident, including potential terrorist links, ownership details of the vehicle, and any network that may have facilitated the blast. With the arrest of Salman and Devender, the police hope to obtain more intelligence and prevent further threats.
The incident highlights the need for stringent security protocols in high-risk areas and the importance of rapid coordination among multiple law enforcement and intelligence agencies to protect public safety.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are leaving no stone unturned to determine the cause, identify all responsible parties, and ensure that such tragedies are prevented in the future.
Also Read: Two Arrested After Deadly Car Explosion Near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station
