Amit Shah reviews Delhi security after Red Fort blast kills 12, NIA to lead probe

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah held two high-level meetings on Tuesday to assess the security situation in Delhi and other parts of India after the blast near the Red Fort, which killed 12 people and injured at least 20.

According to official sources, Shah first convened a morning meeting attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, and National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Sadanand Vasant Date. Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat joined the meeting virtually.

Senior officials presented detailed updates on the investigation and security measures following the explosion. The Home Minister held another review meeting later in the afternoon with almost the same set of top officials.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has now formally handed over the investigation to the NIA — an indication that the blast is being treated as a suspected act of terrorism, as the agency is authorised to probe terror-related incidents.

Shah emphasised that all top investigating agencies are conducting a thorough probe to uncover the cause and possible links behind the explosion.

The blast occurred on Monday evening in a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station. The explosion gutted multiple vehicles and caused significant damage to nearby areas.

The blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening has prompted an extensive security review at the highest level of government. The explosion, which killed 12 people and injured around 20, took place in a vehicle waiting at a red light near the metro station adjacent to the historic monument.

Soon after the incident, multiple agencies including the Delhi Police Special Cell, the National Security Guard (NSG), and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) began investigating the blast site. Initial reports suggest that the explosive material used was of high intensity.

At Tuesday’s meetings, Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed intelligence inputs, security preparedness, and coordination between central and state agencies. Officials briefed him on preliminary findings and ongoing search operations across the city.

The NIA’s involvement indicates that authorities are probing potential terror links or a larger network behind the explosion. Shah assured that the investigation would be comprehensive and that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Security has been heightened across Delhi, with special deployment around key government buildings, transport hubs, and tourist areas. Additional barricades and vehicle checks have been put in place as part of precautionary measures.

The blast has raised fresh concerns over urban security in the national capital, coming just days ahead of several public events scheduled in central Delhi.
(With PTI inputs)