DELHI ON HIGH ALERT

RED FORT BLAST KILLS 8; NIA TAKES OVER PROBE

- TDG NETWORK NEW DELHI

A powerful car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort on Monday evening killed at least eight people and injured several others, prompting a nationwide security alert and a multi-agency probe.

A massive explosion near Gate No. 1 of Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening left at least eight people dead and several others injured, plunging the historic Old Delhi area into chaos and panic. The blast, which occurred around 6:50 pm near the Subhash Marg traffic signal, ripped through a car and triggered a blaze that engulfed multiple vehicles.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said, "At around 6:52 pm, a slowmoving vehicle stopped at the red light. An explosion happened in that vehicle, and nearby vehicles were also damaged. Some people have died, and some have been injured. All agencies, including the FSL and NIA, are here. The situation is being monitored."

The explosion, close to the bustling Chandni Chowk stretch, shattered glass panels at Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station and damaged several vehicles nearby. According to police, the blast originated from a car reportedly fitted with a CNG cylinder, which caught fire and set ablaze seven to eight nearby cars, autorickshaws, motorbikes and scooters. The incident took place near the Lal Quila police post under the jurisdiction of Kotwali Police Station in North District.

Although the blast occurred some distance from the metro gates, both Gates 1 and 4 were temporarily closed as a precaution. Metro authorities said the situation inside the station was normal, with additional staff deployed to ensure passenger safety.