In one instance, a few people were killed and Lal Quila Metro Station was momentarily closed with a bomb in the area of the Red Fort near Delhi being detected. People have initiated a terror investigation, increased security in the city, and closed nearby areas to investigate the issue.
A massive blast on Monday in the evening tore a huge hole into a car at the gate no. 1 of Red-fort area in New Delhi leaving at least eight dead and many others injured.
The accident took place in a slow paced automobile, which was a white Hyundai i20, which stopped at a traffic light on Netaji Subhash Marg, just outside the Lal Quila Metro Station entrance.
To be on the safer side, officials have briefly deployed security checks at the Lal Quila Metro Station and barred tourists to the historic Red Fort to check in on them during the three day festivities.
What has been happening and how the city is reacting
The explosion was immediately followed by emergency services coming to the scene, where fire quickly extended to the games taking place in the vehicles around and in the area was littered.
People fled in terror and those who had been commuting and tourists that came there ran away and order was restored by the first responders. One of the witnesses explained body parts and debris that have been found on the street.
In response to the incident:
- The Delhi Police has pressed criminal charges against it on the basis of anti-terrorism law, which is the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Explosives Act.
- There has been an increased security in the capital as well as the neighbouring states. Important transport centers such as airports, rail and metro were put on alert.
- Big roads surrounding the Old Delhi tourist area including the Red Fort are either closed, or they have major traffic diversion.
The central agencies and the Delhi government go hand in hand in trying to trace the vehicle origin, its owners, and the route it was taking before the explosion. Between reports indicate that the car had been parked approximately two hours and then moved and caused explosion.
The Red Fort and the Lal Quila Metro Station are located in a very congested, old, and symbolic area in New Delhi – tourist attractions, markets, and important transport corridors are all located at this place.
This time of the day, almost evening and in a especially crowded place, intensifies the effect and its fear is that the explosion was perhaps meant to cause the greatest disturbance.
This is due to attempts by the authorities to close down the Metro station and part of the monument area so as to prevent any more incidents, gather forensic evidence and keep the population secure. The officials say that the investigation has been at the initial phase and there are many angles that are open.
The study will involve the following:
- Determining any potential connection between the car and any terror or organised crime unit.
- Investigating explosive material, method of planting or detonating and motive
- The commuters, tourists and residents are being kept safe at the expense of the regular services.
Authorities are encouraging individuals within the region to stay composed, report any suspicious behaviour through emergency numbers and observe traffic and transport warnings till the region normalises.
The explosion will leave a grim reminder of the threat to the public spaces as the city evaluates the damages and collects the proof. They claim that no option is being left out and that the people behind this will be dealt with.
