What happened
On Monday evening at about 6:52 pm IST, a car identified as a white Hyundai i20 stopped at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro station and exploded, wrecking nearby vehicles and triggering heavy damage. The area, a busy market and tourist corridor in Delhi’s old quarters, was immediately sealed by authorities and investigators began combing through the scene.
Initial forensic indications reveal that the blast involved ammonium-nitrate fuel oil combined with a detonator, suggesting a high-intensity explosion rather than a simple vehicle malfunction.
The city has been placed on high alert, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the National Security Guard (NSG) brought in as key investigative and response agencies.
Prime Minister’s response
Prime Minister Modi, speaking from Thimphu in Bhutan, expressed deep grief, saying:
“The horrific incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone… Our agencies will get to the very bottom of this conspiracy. All those responsible will be brought to justice.”
He also appealed to citizens to remain calm, avoid rumours and assured that senior officials including the Home Minister and security chiefs were fully engaged in the inquiry.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah has convened high-level meetings with the police, intelligence agencies and forensic teams and declared that all possibilities, including terror links, are being examined.
Investigation status & key leads
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The FIR has been registered under the stringent anti-terror legislation Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, indicating that the authorities are treating the incident as a potential terror attack.
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The car in question is reported to have been bought and sold multiple times (around 7 transfers), a pattern under investigation for possible terror financing or cover-up.
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CCTV footage apparently shows the vehicle entering the area and stopping at the signal before the explosion; initial trail suggests a link with Jammu & Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
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Seismic measurements and forensic evidence suggest the explosion’s magnitude and the use of high-grade explosives, though the exact motive or responsible group is not yet confirmed.
Wider context & reaction
The blast near the Red Fort — a symbolically important landmark for national pride and tourism — marks one of the most serious security incidents in Delhi in recent years.
Authorities have raised security levels, particularly around major transport hubs and heritage sites, while neighbouring states and border zones are on heightened alert.
Worldwide, allied governments and international organisations have expressed condolences and indicated their readiness to cooperate with India’s inquiry.
Implications & what to watch
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Security posture in Delhi and across India may see further tightening, especially in old city zones, tourist corridors and public transport hubs.
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Terror-taint risk: If found to be a terror attack, it will likely trigger diplomatic and security fallout domestically and internationally.
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Political impact: The government’s response and the investigation’s outcome may impact national discourse on terrorism, civil liberties, surveillance and public safety.
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Tourism and commerce: Given the blast’s location near a major heritage site, the incident may have an adverse short-term effect on tourism and local business in the old quarters of Delhi.
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Investigation focus: Watch for announcements from the NIA and forensic agencies in coming days on the origin of the explosives, vehicle ownership chain, intelligence leads, and possible foreign involvement.
In the words of the Prime Minister
“Today, I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrific incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone… Our agencies will get to the very bottom of this conspiracy. The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Reviewed by Aparna Decors
on
November 11, 2025
Rating:
