Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a two-day state visit to Bhutan, on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort and vowed that the conspirators behind the attack would be brought to justice. The blast, which occurred on Monday evening, claimed the lives of 13 people and left several others injured, sending shockwaves across the national capital.
Speaking from Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, PM Modi addressed the gravity of the incident while attending the Global Peace Prayer Festival and celebrations marking the 70th birth anniversary of Bhutan’s fourth king. He said, “Today, I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrific incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone. I understand the grief of the affected families. The entire nation stands with them today.”
Commitment to Justice
The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals responsible for the blast would be held accountable. “I was in touch with all the agencies investigating this incident throughout last night. Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice,” he added.
PM Modi’s statement underscores the Indian government’s determination to leave no stone unturned in tracing the origins of the attack, identifying those involved, and preventing future incidents.
Rajnath Singh Assures Strict Action
Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a stern warning and assured the nation that those responsible for the Red Fort blast would face the harshest possible consequences. Speaking at the Delhi Defence Dialogue organized by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), Singh said, “I want to firmly assure the nation that those responsible for this tragedy will be brought to justice and will not be spared under any circumstances.”
The statements from both the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister reflect the government’s dual approach: addressing the immediate investigation while signalling a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism.
Blast and Security Response
The explosion, which occurred near the historic Red Fort complex, caused widespread panic in the area. Visitors to the monument were immediately evacuated, and authorities quickly sealed off the site. Teams from the Special Cell, Crime Branch, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) were dispatched to the location to collect evidence and assess the damage.
The blast, originating from a Hyundai i20 car, also damaged several nearby vehicles and structures, highlighting the force of the explosion. According to eyewitness accounts, the intensity was such that it rattled windows and left bystanders in shock.
In response, Delhi Police placed the city on high alert, with strict security measures enforced at airports, railway stations, bus terminals, and other critical locations. The police are coordinating closely with intelligence agencies to prevent any further threats while maintaining public safety.
Investigative Developments
Delhi Police have registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act in connection with the blast. The ownership trail of the car played a key role in the investigation. Two previous owners of the vehicle, identified as Salman and Devender, were detained following the incident.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated in a briefing that the investigation is being conducted “taking all possibilities into account,” and assured the public that results would be shared once verified. Authorities are examining whether the explosion was triggered intentionally or by accident during the transport of explosives.
Public Vigilance and Security Measures
Following the blast, law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance across Delhi. The Special Cell and Crime Branch are monitoring CCTV feeds in real-time, while foot patrols, vehicle checks, and intelligence operations have been ramped up across sensitive areas. Police officers have also been instructed to actively engage with local communities and encourage the public to report suspicious activities.
The government has emphasized that while these measures are critical, citizens should remain calm and follow security advisories to avoid panic or disruption.
National and International Context
PM Modi’s statements in Bhutan not only addressed the domestic audience but also signaled India’s firm stance against terrorism on an international stage. His visit to Bhutan, which includes participation in major spiritual and cultural events, coinciding with the announcement of punitive action against those responsible for the blast, sends a clear message that India is committed to the safety of its citizens and the enforcement of law and order.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay during his visit. Discussions are expected to cover bilateral ties, regional security, and cooperation on broader issues of mutual interest. By addressing the Delhi blast from abroad, PM Modi has highlighted both the domestic impact of terrorism and India’s regional and diplomatic outreach.
Conclusion
The Red Fort blast represents a serious security breach in the heart of Delhi, claiming innocent lives and disrupting public order. The swift response from Delhi Police, intelligence agencies, and the central government reflects India’s readiness to tackle terrorism proactively. Statements from PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirm the government’s commitment to justice and underscore the message that perpetrators of such acts will face the full force of the law.
As the investigation continues, the nation remains united in mourning the victims and in supporting law enforcement agencies in bringing those responsible to justice. The incident also serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, preparedness, and cooperation between authorities and citizens to safeguard the capital and the country.
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