Blast Near Historic Red Fort Shocks the Capital, A massive explosion in a parked car near Delhi’s Red Fort late Monday evening sent shockwaves through the national capital. The incident occurred near the Lal Quila Metro Station, prompting an immediate evacuation and large-scale security lockdown across the area.
According to preliminary reports, multiple people are feared injured, and investigations are underway to determine whether it was a terror-linked blast or an accidental explosion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi BJP President Rekha Gupta have been briefed on the situation, while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell have taken charge of the probe.
What Happened at the Red Fort Blast Site
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion around 6:45 PM near a white sedan parked close to the Red Fort entrance and Lal Quila Metro Station.
Within minutes, thick smoke engulfed the area, causing panic among tourists and local commuters.
Emergency response teams rushed to the spot, and fire tenders quickly brought the blaze under control. The Delhi Police Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) recovered burnt metal fragments and suspected explosive residue from the vehicle.
Officials have not ruled out the possibility of a timer-based IED (Improvised Explosive Device) being used.
Suspected Link to Arms Recovery in Faridabad
Sources in the Delhi Police Special Cell revealed a possible link between the Delhi car blast and the recent arms seizure in Faridabad, where authorities recovered 300 kg RDX, AK-47 rifles, and ammunition following the arrest of a Jammu & Kashmir-based doctor earlier this week.
Preliminary intelligence suggests the explosives could have been part of a larger terror network operating in the NCR region. Investigators are analyzing call records and CCTV footage from nearby areas for clues.
GRAP-III Curbs and Pollution Situation in Delhi
The incident occurred just hours after Delhi implemented GRAP-III (Graded Response Action Plan) curbs due to severe air pollution, as the AQI crossed 400 mark in several parts of the city.
Vehicular movement restrictions were already in place due to smog and restricted entry of trucks, but the blast led to additional traffic diversions around Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and Kashmere Gate.
The Delhi Traffic Police has urged citizens to avoid the Red Fort zone, while Metro services on the Lal Quila and Jama Masjid lines were temporarily halted as a precaution.
Security Heightened Across Delhi NCR
Following the blast, security forces have been put on high alert across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.
Patrolling has been intensified at sensitive sites, including India Gate, Parliament Complex, and major metro stations.
The Delhi Police Commissioner, in a late-night statement, said:
“All teams are on the ground. We are verifying CCTV footage and collecting forensic samples. No angle is being ruled out.”
Investigating Agencies on the Scene
Teams from the NIA, NSG (National Security Guard), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are working together to identify the type of explosive material used.
Preliminary forensic reports suggest traces of RDX and ammonium nitrate, indicating military-grade explosives, similar to those found in the Faridabad raid.
Security agencies are examining whether this was a trial detonation linked to a bigger planned attack ahead of the upcoming winter session of Parliament.
Political Reactions
The opposition parties and Delhi leaders condemned the incident, calling for swift and transparent investigation.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted,
“Deeply disturbed by the explosion near Red Fort. Praying for the injured. The culprits must be punished severely.”
BJP leader Rekha Gupta stated that central agencies are on full alert, assuring citizens that the situation is under control.
Local Impact and Public Advisory
Residents reported mobile network disruptions and blocked routes near Daryaganj, Rajghat, and Delhi Gate.
Authorities have advised the public to stay indoors, avoid rumor circulation, and rely only on official Delhi Police or PIB India updates.
Ambulances and emergency medical services have been stationed at key points, while hospitals like LNJP and AIIMS Trauma Centre are on standby.
Expert Analysis
Defense analyst Lt. Gen. (Retd.) D.S. Hooda commented:
“The timing of the blast, coinciding with heightened border vigilance and pollution lockdown, shows a clear attempt to exploit administrative strain. The use of RDX suggests a sophisticated operation.”
He added that Operation Trishul 2025, currently underway to strengthen India’s defense readiness, will now expand to include counter-terror monitoring in urban centers like Delhi.
Delhi on High Alert, Probe Underway
The Delhi car blast near Red Fort marks one of the most serious security incidents in recent years in the capital.
While forensic reports and intelligence inputs are awaited, the recovery of RDX and ammunition in Faridabad points to a possible inter-state terror plot.
Citizens are urged to remain calm, follow official updates, and cooperate with authorities.
Delhi remains under high alert, with the NIA and NSG jointly leading the investigation.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements and verified updates from Delhi Police, NIA, and credible news sources as of November 11, 2025.
Further details will be added as investigations progress.