Red Fort car blast: Opposition calls explosion “deeply distressing”, demands swift investigation

New Delhi: The Congress on Monday termed as "deeply distressing" the incident of car explosion near the Red Fort here and demanded a thorough and speedy investigation into it.

A high-intensity explosion ripped through a car parked near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing at least ten people, officials said.

"The news of a car explosion near Red Fort Metro Station is deeply distressing. Early reports indicate that several lives have been lost.

"In this hour of grief, we stand with the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. The government must ensure a thorough and speedy investigation into the incident," Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera said in a post on X.

Leader of the Opposition of Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident, writing, “The news of the car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station is extremely heartbreaking and concerning. The report of the deaths of several innocent people in this tragic incident is profoundly sorrowful.”

He further said, “In this hour of grief, I stand with the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and express my deepest condolences to them. I hope for the swift recovery of all the injured.”

The Congress on Tuesday accused the Delhi government of “shocking complacency” following the car explosion near Red Fort Metro Station, questioning whether the capital is truly the “secure city” the Home Ministry claims it to be.

While condemning the incident, the party said the country stands united in this difficult moment.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged authorities to launch a prompt and thorough investigation into the blast to ensure accountability for what he described as a serious “lapse”.

In a post on X, Kharge said, “Extremely distressing to hear about the news of a car explosion near Red Fort Metro Station, Delhi. Initial reports suggest that several precious lives have been lost in this incident. In this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families, and we pray for the swift recovery of the injured.”

He added, “The government must ensure a prompt and thorough investigation into this blast which has taken place in a high-security and often crowded place, so that those responsible for this lapse and incident are held accountable.”

AICC general secretary K C Venugopal expressed grief over the loss of lives and called for a speedy investigation. “The entire country is united in this difficult moment. We urge the government to speedily investigate the incident and throw further light on what has transpired,” he said on X.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav described the explosion as “alarming and distressing”, adding: “In matters of national security — be it Pulwama or Pahalgam — we have stood firmly with the government. Nothing is more important than the security and sovereignty of the country. We urge the Central government to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and to reassure the public through fair and transparent action, while teaching the culprits the harshest possible lesson. After all, how long will Indians live under the shadow of fear?”

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called the blast “extremely tragic and serious”, saying: “It should be investigated from every aspect. To alleviate the fear that has spread in the country's capital due to this blast, immediate security measures should be taken.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said, “The blast in India's capital city at a super-busy location is a source of concern and yet again raises questions about our intelligence gathering and preparedness.”

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also called for swift action, writing: “I hope for a thorough and swift investigation. Those responsible for this condemnable act must receive the maximum punishment under the law.”

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal demanded an immediate investigation to determine whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the explosion. “Negligence regarding Delhi's security cannot be tolerated,” he said on X.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh blamed Pakistan for the incident, alleging, “Only Pakistan could stoop to such a vile act. Modi has boosted the morale of those Pakistani beasts by agreeing to a ceasefire. Those terrorists who took the lives of our innocent citizens — bring them all to justice too.” He added, “The attack on the Red Fort is an assault on the symbol of our pride. The country is not safe in Modi's hands.”

Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel questioned the government’s accountability, stating, “Should such a massive explosion occur in the nation's capital, Delhi, and we remain silent? After all, accountability must be fixed. We all have complete faith in our security forces. But it is alarming for the country that the nation's security is not a priority for the country's leaders.”

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi called the blast “deeply disturbing”, reiterating the party’s criticism of the government’s handling of national security. “Repeated security lapses in the heart of Delhi expose the government's shocking complacency,” Singhvi said on X.

“Delhi on high alert, but the ruling party continues with its blasts of arrogance and propaganda. Security collapses, accountability vanishes, and yet slogans roar louder than safety,” he added.

After the powerful explosion, the police sounded a high alert in Delhi. Seven fire tenders were rushed to the spot with police cordoning off the area, the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said.

The explosion was so powerful that it shattered window panes of vehicles parked several metres away and was heard in nearby buildings of the congested area.

PTI