Updated on: November 13, 2025, 9:02 PM IST

Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday issued one of his strongest warnings yet in response to the deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, declaring that the government would ensure the strictest punishment for everyone involved in the terror attack. Shah said the response to the November 10 blast would serve as a message to the entire world — that no one would even dare to think of carrying out such an attack in India again.

Speaking through video conference at an event in Gujarat, Shah called the blast a “cowardly act” aimed at disturbing peace and testing India’s resilience. He assured the public that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government would leave no stone unturned in identifying, prosecuting, and punishing those responsible for the crime.

“The punishment given to the perpetrators of the Delhi terror attack will send a message to the world that no one would even dare to think of such an attack in our country again,” Shah said.

The Red Fort Blast: A Grim Incident

The explosion took place around 6:50 pm on November 10 near the Red Fort in central Delhi, when a red Ford EcoSport car slowed down at a traffic signal. The blast killed at least 11 people and injured 21 others, leaving the area in chaos. The impact was so powerful that charred body parts were found scattered around the site. The tragedy shook the national capital and led to an immediate nationwide security alert.

The Union Cabinet, which met on Thursday, described the explosion as a “heinous terror incident” carried out by anti-national forces. It directed all investigative agencies to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors.

In his statement, Shah emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was coordinating with all investigative and intelligence agencies to establish every link in the chain — from those who procured materials for the attack to those who planned and executed it.

“The MHA is working with all agencies to trace every person connected with the procurement of materials, transportation, communication, and execution. The investigation is being monitored closely and our focus is on filing a charge sheet supported by solid evidence that meets every legal standard,” he said.

A Coordinated National Investigation

The investigation into the Delhi blast has now become one of the most intensive counterterrorism efforts in recent years. Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Delhi Police Special Cell, and Intelligence Bureau (IB) are jointly probing the case, focusing on possible links to Pakistan-based terror groups and domestic extremist networks.

On Wednesday, police recovered the red Ford EcoSport suspected to have been used in the blast from the Khandwali area in Faridabad. A man identified as Faheem, a relative of the alleged prime suspect Dr. Umar Un Nabi, was detained by the Faridabad Police for questioning. According to intelligence sources, Faheem had been in contact with Umar shortly before the explosion.

Additionally, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) detained a medical student named Mohammad Ariffrom Kanpur, who reportedly had connections to another suspect, Dr. Shaheen Saeed. Investigators believe the group may have coordinated the attack using encrypted communication channels and VPN networks to conceal their identities.

‘India’s Fight Against Terror Has Gained Global Respect’

Amit Shah also used the occasion to highlight how India’s counterterrorism efforts over the last decade have fundamentally changed the country’s global standing. He said the world has recognized India’s firm and sensitive approach in fighting terrorism, pointing to increased intelligence cooperation, border security, and joint investigations with other nations.

“In the last eleven years, the world has accepted India’s fight against terrorism. The country has shown what a strict and sensitive approach means,” Shah said.

He added that incidents like the Red Fort blast could not be viewed in isolation, as they represent attempts by terrorist and anti-national networks to undermine India’s progress and peace. The Home Minister stressed that the government’s response must not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also reinforce the nation’s collective resolve to remain vigilant and united.

Political and Security Reactions

Following the blast, political leaders across the spectrum condemned the attack, urging unity and patience as the investigation progresses. The government has ramped up security measures in Delhi and other metropolitan cities, with enhanced patrolling around heritage sites, transport hubs, and government institutions.

The Home Ministry has directed all state police chiefs to review local intelligence reports and strengthen security at public places. Airports, railway stations, and border checkpoints are under heightened surveillance.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Commissioner has urged citizens to avoid spreading misinformation and rely on official updates. The authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or unattended objects.

The Broader Message

Shah’s statement marks the government’s toughest stance yet in the wake of the Red Fort blast. His declaration that the punishment would make future attackers “not dare to even think” of repeating such acts reflects an intent to project strength — both domestically and internationally.

This approach is consistent with the government’s postures following past terror incidents, such as the 2019 Pulwama attack and the 2021 Jammu drone strike, where India responded with swift, coordinated investigations and diplomatic outreach to rally global condemnation of cross-border terrorism.

The Road Ahead

As the investigation continues, officials say they are building a comprehensive case that will trace financial, logistical, and ideological networks connected to the attack. The MHA’s emphasis on ensuring that the chargesheet is “legally watertight” suggests that the government is preparing for a strong prosecution aimed at setting a precedent for future terror trials.

Legal experts believe that, given the nature of the blast and the casualties involved, the case is likely to be prosecuted under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)related to terrorism, murder, and conspiracy.

A senior government official told reporters that the Centre is treating the Red Fort blast as a national security issue of the highest order. “This was not just an attack on people — it was an attack on India’s confidence. The response will be proportionate, decisive, and permanent,” the official said.

A Nation on Alert

While the wounds of the Red Fort blast are still raw, the government’s firm messaging seeks to reassure the public and deter any further attempts by extremist elements. The memory of the explosion, which turned an ordinary evening commute into a scene of horror, continues to weigh heavily on the national psyche.

As the investigation tightens its net around the suspects, Amit Shah’s warning resonates far beyond India’s borders — signaling that the era of impunity for terror networks is over. His words — “no one would even dare to think of such an attack again” — underscore a central theme of India’s contemporary security policy: uncompromising justice and unyielding deterrence.

In the days ahead, as agencies piece together the full picture behind the Red Fort blast, the government’s commitment to delivering justice will likely define not only the outcome of this case but also India’s broader narrative in its ongoing fight against terrorism.