A powerful car explosion near the Lal Qila, Delhi’s historic Red Fort, killed at least 13 people and injured over 20 on a busy Monday evening. The blast occurred around 6:52 p.m. near the Red Fort metro station, where a Hyundai i20, which had been parked for hours, suddenly exploded, setting six surrounding vehicles on fire and shattering windows in the vicinity.
Emergency services quickly responded, dousing fires and rushing the wounded to hospital.
Investigations are ongoing under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, as police suspect a fidayeen-style suicide bombing.
Authorities traced the vehicle to Dr. Umar Mohammed of Pulwama, linked to a recently uncovered terror module involving explosives seized in Faridabad earlier that day. The car changed hands multiple times before the deadly detonation near the monument.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was visiting Bhutan, expressed deep sorrow and vowed justice, saying, “All those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Security across India has been heightened, with special vigilance at airports, railway stations, government offices and tourist sites. The Red Fort has been closed for three days during forensic investigations. Police in Delhi and neighbouring states are intensifying patrols and urging the public to report suspicious behaviour.
The Red Fort, built by Emperor Shah Jahan, is a national symbol and hosts annual Independence Day ceremonies. Although such attacks are rare in Delhi, the city has faced prior violence, including the 2001 parliamentary attack and 2011 bombing near the Delhi High Court.
Families mourn victims at hospitals, while authorities continue comprehensive investigations involving multiple agencies.