Just hours after a devastating car explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort left eight people dead and several others injured, the Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) invoking multiple sections of Indian law, including provisions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosive Substances Act. The FIR also includes charges related to murder and attempted murder, reflecting the gravity of the incident.

The explosion, which occurred at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station, ripped through a slow-moving Hyundai i20, causing extensive damage to nearby vehicles and the surrounding area. Preliminary reports confirm eight fatalities and at least 20 injuries. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the blast, including whether it involved a suicide bomber.

A Delhi Police spokesperson said the FIR invokes Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA, which pertain to terrorist acts and the penalties associated with supporting or facilitating terrorism. Section 16 specifically addresses the punishment for terrorist acts that have already taken place. In cases where a terrorist act results in death, the person responsible can face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, in addition to a fine. Section 18, on the other hand, covers acts of conspiracy, planning, or assistance in committing a terrorist act. It allows authorities to prosecute individuals who facilitate, incite, advise, or prepare for terrorism, even if the act has not yet been carried out.

In addition to the UAPA provisions, Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act have been invoked. These sections address the illegal possession, handling, and use of explosives, which are central to the investigation into the Red Fort car blast. The FIR further includes murder and attempted murder charges, covering both the fatalities and the injuries sustained by victims in the blast.

Police investigations are ongoing, with officers reviewing CCTV footage and tracing the vehicle’s final movements prior to the explosion. According to preliminary information, the Hyundai i20 involved in the incident had three occupants at the time of the blast. Authorities are examining the possibility that one of them may have deliberately detonated the explosives.

At least two men, identified as Salman and Devender, have been detained in connection with the case. Both are alleged to have been owners of the Hyundai i20 and are being questioned to determine their possible involvement in the incident. The police are coordinating with intelligence and counter-terrorism units to trace any broader networks or motives behind the attack.

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Delhi’s most symbolic landmarks, has historically been a high-profile target. The incident has triggered heightened security measures across the capital, with authorities stepping up surveillance in public areas, transport hubs, and near other prominent government and historic sites.

The FIR reflects the seriousness with which Indian authorities are treating the incident. By invoking the UAPA, the police signal their focus on investigating potential links to terrorist organizations or ideologically motivated groups. Meanwhile, the Explosive Substances Act provisions aim to address the immediate threat posed by the handling and deployment of explosives.

As part of their investigation, Delhi Police are collecting forensic evidence from the blast site, analyzing debris and residues to determine the type of explosive used. They are also reviewing electronic records, including vehicle registration details, prior ownership, and travel history of the vehicle occupants. Witnesses in the vicinity are being interviewed to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the explosion.

Authorities have called for vigilance among the public and warned against spreading unverified reports or speculations, which can hinder ongoing investigations. Law enforcement agencies are working closely with the central government, intelligence agencies, and counter-terrorism units to ensure that any potential threat networks are swiftly identified and neutralized.

This incident comes at a time when urban security is under intense scrutiny. The blast at a busy traffic signal near a heritage site not only caused loss of life and injury but also raised concerns about public safety and the protection of cultural landmarks in densely populated cities.

The Delhi Police FIR, by including sections under the UAPA, Explosives Act, and penal provisions for murder and attempted murder, lays the groundwork for a comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution. The inclusion of UAPA provisions, in particular, underscores the possibility that the authorities are considering the incident as more than a criminal act, treating it instead as an act that could have wider terror implications.

Further updates from law enforcement are expected as investigations progress, including confirmation of the identities of all vehicle occupants, their motives, and any affiliations with extremist or criminal networks. Meanwhile, Delhi Police continue to advise residents and commuters to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.

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