A high-intensity explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening claimed the lives of 12 people and left several others injured, sending shockwaves across the national capital. Among the deceased was Ashok Kumar, a 34-year-old Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus conductor and a native of Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh.
According to police sources, Ashok Kumar was returning home after finishing his shift when the blast occurred near a traffic signal close to the Red Fort metro station. The explosion, originating from a slow-moving Hyundai i20, was powerful enough to shatter the window panes of vehicles parked several metres away and even break the glass panels of the metro station. Kumar, who resided with his family in a rented house in Jagatpuri, New Delhi, was among those killed instantly in the horrific incident.
The Circle Officer of Hasanpur, Deep Pant, confirmed that Kumar’s body would be transported back to Amroha for the last rites, giving his family the opportunity to bid farewell. The tragic incident has left the local community in both Delhi and Amroha in deep mourning.
Security Measures in Uttar Pradesh Post-Blast
In response to the blast, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath immediately directed the police to remain on high alert, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance across sensitive and crowded locations in the state. According to an official statement, the chief minister sought a detailed report of the incident from Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna.
Following the directive, the DGP issued a series of instructions to district police chiefs, urging them to personally supervise security arrangements. Special focus has been placed on crowded public areas, including metro stations, bus stands, railway stations, shopping malls, and cinema halls, to prevent any untoward incidents.
Enhanced Security Measures
As part of the tightened security measures, the following initiatives have been put in place:
- Quick Response Teams (QRTs), Anti-Terrorist Squads (ATS), bomb disposal squads, and dog squads have been kept on standby in all major districts.
- Foot patrols have been intensified in areas deemed sensitive or vulnerable to potential threats.
- Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to ensure strict checking of vehicles, including taxis, private cars, and delivery vans, without causing undue inconvenience to commuters.
- Real-time analysis of CCTV feeds across public areas is being conducted to detect any suspicious activities promptly.
- Police teams have been directed to engage actively with intelligence networks and local community informantsto report and act upon any unusual behaviour or suspicious persons.
These measures reflect the state’s commitment to proactive policing and rapid response in the wake of terror-related incidents.
Blast Impact and Eyewitness Accounts
The blast near the Red Fort metro station left a scene of devastation, with vehicles overturned and debris scattered across a wide radius. Eyewitnesses described the intensity of the explosion, noting that it felt like a tremor had struck the area. Many commuters and pedestrians in the vicinity were left traumatised, with some suffering minor injuries from flying glass and debris.
Authorities have confirmed that twelve people were killed, and several others were rushed to hospitals in Delhi for emergency treatment. The victims include individuals from different walks of life, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the blast.
Investigation Underway
Delhi Police and intelligence agencies are conducting a multi-pronged investigation into the incident. The probe aims to determine the origin of the vehicle, the nature of the explosives used, and any potential links to broader terror networks. Officials are also reviewing CCTV footage, vehicle registration records, and witness accounts to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the explosion.
Authorities have not yet attributed the blast to any specific terrorist organization, but the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), provisions of the Explosives Act, and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)related to murder and attempt to murder have been invoked in the FIR.
Public Advisory and Vigilance
In light of the incident, the public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities. Law enforcement agencies have emphasised the importance of cooperation from citizens in ensuring public safety while maintaining a sense of calm and order.
The blast has also sparked concern among commuters and residents in Delhi and surrounding regions, with several individuals reporting anxiety and fear while travelling through high-traffic and tourist-heavy areas. Authorities have assured citizens that enhanced patrolling, vehicle checks, and intelligence gathering will continue until the threat is fully assessed and mitigated.
Political Response
The incident has prompted reactions from political leaders across the country, with many demanding swift action and accountability. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives reflect the seriousness with which state authorities are taking the security challenge, particularly in ensuring the safety of residents and commuters in urban areas.
At the same time, Delhi Police continues to coordinate with Uttar Pradesh Police and central intelligence agencies to trace any potential links beyond the capital, ensuring a nationwide response to the threat posed by terrorism.
Remembering Ashok Kumar and Other Victims
Ashok Kumar’s death highlights the human toll of such attacks. As a dedicated DTC bus conductor, he was part of the daily workforce that keeps India’s capital moving. His family in Jagatpuri, New Delhi, and his hometown in Amroha mourn his loss, which is emblematic of the broader tragedy that befell the victims of the Red Fort blast.
The authorities are working to ensure that the victims’ families receive prompt support, including assistance with medical care, repatriation of bodies, and counselling services. Community leaders in Amroha and Delhi have also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families, offering condolences and support in their time of grief.
Looking Ahead
The Red Fort blast serves as a stark reminder of the continuing threat posed by acts of terrorism. The incident has prompted both local and state authorities to review and strengthen security protocols across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, particularly in densely populated and high-profile areas.
For citizens, the event underscores the importance of vigilance, cooperation with authorities, and adherence to public safety advisories. For law enforcement, it reinforces the need for real-time intelligence, swift response mechanisms, and inter-agency coordination to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While the investigation into the blast continues, the memories of those lost, including Ashok Kumar from Amroha, remain at the forefront of the national consciousness, highlighting the human cost of such attacks and the enduring need for robust security measures.
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