A powerful explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening left at least 8 people dead and several others critically injured. According to early reports, the blast occurred inside a parked car close to the main entry gate, sending shockwaves across the capital.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to the site within an hour of the incident, accompanied by senior officials from the Delhi Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Central Forensic teams. The entire area has been cordoned off, and an emergency response unit is conducting rescue and evacuation operations.

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Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the explosion shattered nearby windows and triggered panic among locals and tourists visiting the iconic monument. “We heard a loud boom, and within seconds, smoke filled the area. People started running in all directions,” said Ravi Sharma, a shopkeeper near the fort.

Initial investigations suggest that the explosion originated from a white sedan parked illegally near the fort’s eastern gate. Authorities are still determining whether the blast was accidental or a planned terror attack. Forensic experts have reportedly found traces of high-grade explosives at the site, raising suspicions of a deliberate act.

Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora confirmed that all nearby CCTV footage is being reviewed. “We are not ruling out any possibility. The investigation will cover every angle, including terrorism,” he told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was briefed immediately after the explosion, expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure the best medical care for the injured. Hospitals across central Delhi, including LNJP and RML, have been placed on high alert, and additional blood supply has been dispatched for emergency surgeries.

Traffic around the Red Fort area has been completely halted as bomb squads conduct secondary sweeps to rule out additional explosives. Security forces have also intensified checks at major metro stations, airports, and railway hubs across the city.

Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking to the media at the scene, stated, “This is a tragic and cowardly act. Those responsible will not be spared. The government will ensure swift justice.”

Officials have confirmed that among the victims are two tourists and a police constable who was stationed near the site. Families of the deceased will receive compensation, and an emergency helpline has been activated for those seeking information about missing persons.

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of India’s independence, attracts thousands of visitors daily. Security had been heightened in the area following recent intelligence warnings, but the sudden blast has once again exposed vulnerabilities in urban safety protocols.

As the investigation unfolds, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives and awaits answers behind the devastating Red Fort car explosion that has shaken Delhi to its core.