Executive Summary
- At least 13 people were killed and over 20 injured in a car explosion near New Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening.
- The explosion originated in a moving vehicle at a traffic signal during rush hour, damaging multiple other vehicles.
- Authorities have invoked India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), treating the blast as a potential act of terrorism.
- Police have detained the car’s original owner and a subsequent buyer as part of the ongoing investigation.
At least 13 people were killed and more than 20 injured after a car exploded during evening rush hour near the historic Red Fort in New Delhi on Monday. Authorities have launched a major investigation and invoked a counterterrorism law, indicating they are treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
The Explosion
The high-intensity blast occurred at 6:52 p.m. local time (13:52 GMT) at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro Station. According to Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, the explosion originated in a slow-moving Hyundai i20. The force of the blast damaged several nearby vehicles, including six cars and three autorickshaws, engulfing them in flames and sending smoke into the air.
The Investigation
Delhi Police have registered a case under Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), India’s primary counterterrorism law. While officials have not formally named suspects in the bombing, the use of the UAPA signals the direction of the investigation. Investigators have detained the original owner of the car, identified as Mohammad Salman, as well as another individual to whom he had reportedly sold the vehicle. The car was still registered under Salman’s name, according to local media.
Heightened Security and Context
The explosion took place just hours after police in the neighboring state of Haryana announced the arrest of a doctor accused of plotting a separate terrorist attack, though authorities have not confirmed any link between that arrest and the Red Fort blast. In response to the bombing, security has been intensified across New Delhi and in major cities like Mumbai, with a particular focus on transportation hubs. The United States and the United Kingdom have issued travel and security advisories for their citizens in India.
Official Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and stated he had reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah, who confirmed that top agencies are investigating all possibilities. As the probe continues, it is important to note that any individuals detained in connection with the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.