A powerful explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on Monday evening triggered alarm across the National Capital Region, prompting authorities to heighten security at key public locations, issue precautionary alerts, and initiate an intensive multi-agency investigation. Despite the severity of the incident, schools and colleges across Delhi-NCR remain open, with no closure orders issued by the Delhi government. The following detailed report provides a comprehensive account of the incident, the status of educational institutions, the security response, and the ongoing investigation.

Educational Institutions Continue Operations Without Disruption

In the immediate aftermath of the blast, which killed at least eight people and injured several others, the Delhi government and local administration reviewed security arrangements across the city. Although alerts were communicated to schools and colleges, no directive was issued to shut down institutions or shift to online classes. As a result, schools and colleges across Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad remained fully functional on Tuesday.

Students and staff were advised to be vigilant, especially in areas near crowded markets, metro stations, and major traffic intersections. Some institutions increased internal security measures, including ID checks and restricted campus access, but academic schedules proceeded as planned. Parents expressed concerns in some areas, but authorities reiterated that there was no intelligence input suggesting threats to educational infrastructure.

Expanded Security Measures Across Delhi-NCR

Following the explosion, security agencies across multiple states were placed on high alert. In the national capital, the heightened security was most visible around the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Daryaganj, and other Old Delhi areas. Uniformed personnel from Delhi Police, Central Industrial Security Force, and Rapid Action Force were deployed at sensitive locations.

All major railway stations in the region, including New Delhi, Old Delhi, Anand Vihar, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Ghaziabad, were placed under precautionary alert. Passenger entry and baggage checks were intensified to prevent any secondary incident. Chandni Chowk market, despite being close to the blast site, remained open but under tight surveillance.

Metro services continued uninterrupted, though security checks at stations near the Red Fort were significantly strengthened. Commuters reported longer queues during morning peak hours as security forces inspected bags and monitored surveillance feeds closely.

The Blast Near Red Fort: Timeline and First Response

The explosion occurred around 6:52 pm on Monday, when a Hyundai i20 car moving slowly on Netaji Subhash Marg suddenly blew up near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila metro station. The Delhi Fire Services received a call at around 7 pm, and multiple fire tenders reached the spot within minutes.

The blast caused several nearby vehicles to catch fire, leading to widespread panic among pedestrians and motorists. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang, followed by flames engulfing the car and adjacent vehicles. The impact shattered windows, damaged surrounding structures, and created a fireball visible from across the street.

Delhi Police cordoned off the area immediately, restricting movement on the affected stretch and diverting traffic. Emergency responders evacuated injured persons and transported them to nearby hospitals.

Government and Police Response

Union home minister Amit Shah confirmed that multiple investigative teams reached the blast site within ten minutes of receiving the alert. Units from the Delhi Crime Branch, Special Branch, National Security Guard, and National Investigation Agency quickly joined the operation, along with forensic teams tasked with collecting residue samples and assessing blast patterns.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha stated that initial visual evidence suggested the vehicle stopped at a red light before the explosion occurred. He confirmed that multiple agencies were already involved in the probe and that the situation was under continuous monitoring. Amit Shah, who was in constant touch with Delhi Police, said he had been receiving regular briefings from senior officers.

High Alert in Multiple States

Security was tightened across several states after preliminary assessments indicated the need for broader vigilance. Bihar, where voters began casting ballots for the second phase of assembly elections on Tuesday, was placed on high alert. Authorities feared the possibility of attempts to exploit crowded polling stations or disrupt election-related activities.

Major cities such as Mumbai and Pune saw heightened security at transportation hubs, malls, and tourist areas. Similar measures were implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Police in these states increased patrols, intensified vehicle checks, and monitored suspicious activity more closely than usual.

Investigation Underway: Key Developments

Hours after the explosion, Delhi Police registered an FIR invoking several serious provisions, including Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. These sections relate to terrorist acts and the punishment for conspiracy or support to terrorism. Additionally, Sections 3 and 4 of the Explosive Substances Act were included, underscoring the gravity with which investigators view the incident.

The ownership of the exploded Hyundai i20 became a central focus early in the investigation. According to Sandeep Kumar, the Gurugram Police spokesperson, the vehicle was originally registered to a resident named Salman. Around eighteen months ago, Salman sold the car to a man named Devender from Okhla. Both individuals have been detained for questioning, and Delhi Police are working to trace the subsequent chain of custody, as the car may have changed hands multiple times.

Authorities said that establishing the exact ownership trail is crucial for determining whether the occupants of the vehicle at the time of the blast were linked to the ownership history or whether the vehicle was obtained through intermediaries for illicit purposes.

Forensic Analysis and Identification of the Blast Source

Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory collected samples from the site, including metal fragments, soil residues, and vehicle remains. These samples will undergo chemical testing to determine the nature of the explosive material. Preliminary observations suggest a high-intensity blast, but the exact composition will be known after laboratory examination.

Investigators are also analysing CCTV footage from the area surrounding the Red Fort, Daryaganj, and nearby intersections. Cameras on the Lal Qila metro station premises and private establishments along Netaji Subhash Marg are expected to provide critical clues regarding the movement of the vehicle before the explosion.

Ongoing Public Safety Measures

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm but vigilant. People have been advised to report any suspicious vehicles, unattended bags, or unusual activity to emergency services. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have established emergency control rooms to ensure rapid response to any alerts or reports received from the public.

Union home minister Amit Shah, in a statement on X, expressed condolences for the victims and assured that the investigation would be carried out with complete intensity. He also conveyed his wishes for the quick recovery of those injured.

Conclusion

The Red Fort blast has prompted a citywide and nationwide security response, with multiple agencies collaborating to uncover the cause and the individuals behind the incident. While educational institutions in Delhi-NCR remain open, security remains tight across the region. The investigation continues in full force, with forensic analysis, CCTV review, and multi-state coordination aimed at identifying motives, suspects, and potential security threats. Authorities continue to assure citizens that every lead is being pursued and that the findings will be made public once the investigation reaches a conclusive stage.