Ahead of the deadly blast that unfolded last night near Red Fort, killing at least eleven and leaving several others injured, Delhi Police on Tuesday registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosive Act and, furthermore, conducted multiple raids and placed the national capital on high alert.
“This evening, around 7 p.m., a blast occurred in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort in Delhi. The blast injured some pedestrians and damaged some vehicles. Preliminary reports indicate that fatalities have occurred,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah said while talking to ANI.
“The blast took place in a slow-moving vehicle that came to a halt at the Red Fort traffic signal. There were occupants in the car. The blast damaged cars nearby,” said Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha.
Further investigation reveals that the owner of the car was identified as Mohammad Salman, in Gurugram, Haryana, who bought the vehicle in 2013 and sold the vehicle to another man, who further sold the car recently. However, the car is still registered under Salman’s name and has the nameplate of Haryana, according to the reports.
Political Condolence
“May the injured recover at the earliest. Those affected are being assisted by authorities. Reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and other officials,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
“This incident is extremely distressing and alarming. My deepest sympathies are with those who lost their loved ones,” Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said.
“I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the blast that has taken place in Delhi. I pray for the quick recovery of those injured,” President Droupadi Murmu said.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “All possibilities are being explored, and a thorough investigation will be conducted, taking all options into account.
What are the latest updates?
High security has been intensified across the city, including key areas like railway stations, and major train stations across India, which borders Delhi, have been placed on high alert as precautionary measures.
