At least nine people were killed in a car explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi, with several others injured. Following the incident, a nationwide alert has been issued. Local hospitals reported treating at least 30 injured patients.
Delhi Police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi confirmed that the exploded vehicle was a Hyundai i20. Authorities are investigating whether the three occupants of the car survived. Witnesses described the blast as so powerful that they were momentarily stunned. One said the explosion shook the windows of his home, while a local shop owner reported being thrown to the ground three times by the shockwave.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site late at night. Statements were issued by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. Following the blast, additional police units have been deployed in major cities such as Kolkata and Mumbai, and heightened security measures have been enforced at airports. The U.S. Embassy in Delhi advised avoiding the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk areas.
Jammu and Kashmir Police reported that operations in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana recovered nearly three tonnes of explosives, explosive-making chemicals, and four pistols and rifles. Seven individuals, including two doctors, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Amit Shah visited injured victims at the hospital and briefed the Prime Minister. The National Security Guard and National Investigation Agency are investigating the explosion. According to witnesses, six to seven vehicles caught fire during the blast. Locals reported the explosion was so intense that they were thrown to the ground multiple times, and windows of nearby houses shook.
GLIVE/TSN