Security has been stepped up across multiple states following a deadly explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi that killed eight people and left over two dozen injured on Monday evening. The high-intensity blast occurred in a car waiting at a traffic signal close to Lal Qila Metro Station, sending shockwaves through one of the Capital’s busiest tourist zones.
Nationwide Security Response
According to official sources, Mumbai and several districts of Uttar Pradesh have been placed on high alert. Maharashtra police have reinforced security at airports, railway stations, and public gathering points across Mumbai.
In Uttar Pradesh and Dehradun, district police units have been directed to intensify patrols, vehicle checks, and surveillance in sensitive areas. Orders from Lucknow also call for vigilance along key inter-state routes.
Enhanced Vigil Along Indo-Nepal Border
Security has been ramped up at the Indo-Nepal border, with the Border Security Force (BSF) and local police conducting joint monitoring of movement across the open frontier. Intelligence teams are screening travellers and vehicles to rule out possible escape routes linked to the Delhi blast.
Rajasthan Police on Alert
Rajasthan’s Director General of Police, Rajiv Sharma, has directed all range IGs and district SPs to remain on high alert. Special checking drives have been launched in border districts and at major highways. Vehicles entering from neighbouring states are being thoroughly inspected, and security presence has been increased at crowded markets and public spaces.
Sequence of Events in Delhi
Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion occurred at 6:52 PM in a slow-moving vehicle near the Red Fort traffic signal. Delhi Police Commissioner confirmed that the blast took place while the car’s occupants were still inside.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer A.K. Malik said the fire department received a distress call shortly after the explosion and managed to douse the flames by 7:29 PM. The impact of the blast damaged at least 22 nearby vehicles, and visuals from the site show mangled cars and debris scattered across the area.
Casualties were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital, where officials later confirmed eight deaths. Three victims remain in critical condition. Eyewitnesses described hearing a “deafening sound” and seeing a “massive fireball” moments later.
Investigation Underway
Teams from the Delhi Police Special Cell, Anti-Terror Squad, and National Security Guard (NSG) have joined the probe. Forensic experts are examining remnants of the vehicle to determine the nature and source of the explosion.
Authorities have cordoned off the entire stretch surrounding the Red Fort and urged citizens to avoid sharing unverified information until the official report is released.
