Shamli/Delhi: Fate struck a cruel blow for a 21-year-old youth from Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district when a deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening claimed his life. Noman, who had gone to Chandni Chowk with his cousin Amaan to purchase wholesale items for their small business, was killed in the blast, while Amaan sustained serious injuries but survived.

A Routine Shopping Trip Turns Fatal

According to family members, Noman and Amaan had planned the trip on the advice of Noman’s father, Imran, to pick up wholesale cosmetic products for their business. They were accompanied by their driver, Virassat, from Jhijhana. The duo parked their car near the ISBT area around 10:30 am and headed to Sadar Bazaar for shopping.

By the evening, their errands were nearly complete. Around 6 pm, the cousins returned to their vehicle, but Noman decided to stay behind to buy a few more items in Chandni Chowk. “If Noman and Amaan had listened to me, perhaps this tragedy wouldn’t have happened,” recalled Virassat. He had advised them to postpone the journey because of heavy traffic, but they insisted on continuing.

Minutes later, a massive explosion occurred near the Red Fort, ripping through the area and leaving chaos in its wake. Virassat described the scene: “I took an e-rickshaw towards Chandni Chowk and saw police barricades, panic, and people shouting that a missile-like blast had occurred. Smoke and cries filled the air. The site was about three kilometers from our parking spot.”

Remembering Noman

Noman’s family and relatives in Shamli remember him as bright, hardworking, and affectionate. He was the sole breadwinner for a family that included elderly parents, four sisters, and an elder brother, Farmaan, who is a kidney patient.

Relatives have appealed to both the state and central governments to provide adequate compensation for the loss.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Shyam Singh stated, “We have not yet received any formal update from the Delhi Police. The family was informed by authorities in Delhi. The process to bring the body to Shamli for last rites is underway.”

Security Measures in Delhi

In the aftermath of the blast, security arrangements were tightened across central and north Delhi, especially in Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, and Daryaganj, as authorities worked to ensure safety and maintain order during ongoing investigations.

The tragedy underscores the human cost of the blast, which killed at least 13 people and injured dozens more, and highlights the personal stories behind the headlines that often go untold.