Post by : Rameen Ariff

On Monday evening, a vehicle explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi resulted in the loss of eight lives, prompting an intensive investigation into potential terrorist affiliations. Authorities are exploring possible ties to the recent detainment of seven men in Jammu and Kashmir and a significant seizure of explosives amounting to 2,900kg from Faridabad.

The explosion took place at 18:52 local time when a slow-moving car halted at a bustling traffic signal and subsequently erupted in flames. Footage captured at the scene reveals the wreckage of a burned white Hyundai i20 alongside other vehicles, including autorickshaws and cycle rickshaws.

Officials have condemned the incident, labeling it as “a grievous terror act by anti-national elements.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi has characterized it as a “conspiracy,” promising that those responsible will face justice. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed similar messages, with Shah ordering that every perpetrator connected to this act be tracked down.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's primary counter-terrorism body, has officially taken charge of the investigation. Agents are sifting through a considerable volume of documents and exploring various angles related to the blast, including its ties to the recent arrests in Kashmir and the explosive haul from Faridabad.

Earlier, law enforcement in Jammu and Kashmir detained several suspects, including two doctors, asserting they embody a “white-collar terror network.” Reports indicate that police confiscated firearms such as two automatic rifles and the aforementioned bomb-making materials. Investigators are also scrutinizing viral images of a man believed to be the driver of the vehicle involved in the Delhi blast, though details have yet to be confirmed.

While investigations are underway, the Red Fort vicinity remains cordoned off. There has been no official information released regarding the car's owner or the precise cause of the explosion. Amid ongoing speculation fueled by unverified media leaks, police have stressed that all investigative leads are under careful examination.

This unfortunate incident underscores the persistent challenges surrounding urban security and the complexities of identifying coordinated terrorist activities in India’s capital. Authorities continue to encourage citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior, as the NIA conducts its comprehensive investigation.

#India #World