Indian authorities are investigating a powerful car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi that killed at least eight people and injured 20 others on Monday evening. The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m. local time, has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), India’s primary anti-terrorism law. The legislation is used to prosecute acts deemed to threaten the country’s sovereignty and integrity, underscoring the seriousness with which investigators are treating the blast.
According to police, a slow-moving car stopped at a traffic signal before suddenly exploding, engulfing nearby vehicles in flames and leaving behind mangled wreckage on a congested street near a metro station in Old Delhi. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as thick smoke filled the area, with emergency services rushing to rescue survivors and contain the fire.
The Red Fort, a 17th-century Mughal-era monument blending Persian and Indian architectural styles, is one of Delhi’s most iconic landmarks and a major tourist attraction. It also holds symbolic importance as the site where the Prime Minister addresses the nation every year on Independence Day, August 15. The proximity of the blast to such a high-profile location has heightened concerns about security in the capital.
Federal Home Minister Amit Shah stated that “all angles” are being investigated, and security agencies are working to determine whether the explosion was caused by a terrorist attack, an improvised explosive device (IED), or another source such as a vehicle malfunction. The incident has prompted a high alert across several states and key facilities, with police and intelligence units coordinating to prevent further threats.
The blast is particularly alarming given Delhi’s status as one of the most heavily guarded cities in India, home to more than 30 million residents and numerous government institutions. Rare incidents of this scale raise questions about vulnerabilities in urban security and the ability of authorities to anticipate and prevent such attacks.
Forensic teams are currently examining the site, collecting evidence to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Meanwhile, police have detained several individuals for questioning and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to trace the vehicle’s movements prior to the blast.
The tragedy adds to India’s ongoing struggle against extremist violence and organized crime networks. While officials have not yet confirmed the perpetrators, the use of UAPA signals that investigators suspect links to terrorism or organized militant activity.
As families mourn the victims and survivors recover from injuries, the government faces mounting pressure to reassure the public and strengthen security measures around critical landmarks. The coming days are expected to bring further clarity as agencies piece together the chain of events leading to the deadly blast.
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