A devastating explosion occurred near the historic Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, resulting in significant casualties and damage.
- At least eight people were killed and 20 others were injured in the blast
- The explosion occurred at 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT) near the Red Fort metro station
- A slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light before detonating
Victims Identified
- Lokesh Agrawal: Shop owner from Uttar Pradesh, visiting a hospitalized relative
- Ashok Kumar: Government bus conductor returning home after duty
- Pankaj Sahni: 22-year-old taxi driver
- Amar Kataria: 34-year-old businessman heading to the metro
- Mohsin: E-rickshaw driver from Meerut seeking work
- Nouman: 22-year-old cosmetics shop owner from Shamli
Official Response
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that conspirators “will not be spared”
- Home Minister Amit Shah is chairing high-level security review meetings
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation
- Cases registered under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)
Security Measures
- The Red Fort is closed for three days during the investigation
- Delhi Metro’s Lal Quila Station remains closed
- Enhanced security measures implemented across India:
- Secondary ladder point checking has been made compulsory at airports
- Strict monitoring of flight operations
- Increased vigil at India-Nepal border crossings
International Response
- China extended condolences through Ambassador Xu Feihong
- Support received from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan
- Bhutan’s King led prayers for the victims at Changlimithang StadiumÂ
Compensation Announced
- ₹10 lakh for families of the deceased
- ₹5 lakh for permanently disabled victims
- ₹2 lakh for seriously injured persons
- ₹20,000 for those with minor injuries
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring all possibilities regarding the cause of the explosion.
Ref:
- https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cly94zlpl8yt
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-lal-quila-metro-station-explosion-in-parked-car-near-red-fort-live-updates/article70263264.ece
- https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cly94zlpl8yt
- Youtube
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