Red Fort blast: Delhi Police file UAPA case after explosion kills 9 near historic landmark

New Delhi: The Delhi Police have registered a case in connection with the explosion that occurred near the historic Red Fort on Monday evening, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The case has been filed under the stringent provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), specifically Sections 16 and 18, along with various sections of the Explosives Act and the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Kotwali Police Station, authorities confirmed.

Fatalities and injuries

The blast claimed the lives of at least nine people.

According to the Medical Superintendent of Lok Nayak Hospital (LNJP Hospital), fifteen people were brought in for medical attention. "Eight of them died before reaching the hospital. Three are seriously injured. One is in stable condition," the Superintendent stated.

Blast origin and time

Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirmed the incident, stating that the blast occurred around 7:00 pm in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha provided a slightly earlier timeline, stating that at "around 6:52 pm," a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a red light near the Red Fort Metro Station, and the explosion occurred within that vehicle, damaging nearby vehicles and injuring pedestrians.

High-level response and investigation

Home Minister Shah assured that a thorough investigation is underway, with all possibilities being explored. "Within 10 minutes of receiving the information of the blast, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Delhi Special Branch arrived at the spot," Shah noted.

Commissioner Golcha confirmed the presence of all relevant agencies, including the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) and the NIA (National Investigation Agency), at the scene to monitor the situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took immediate stock of the situation following the blast, speaking directly with Home Minister Amit Shah, government sources reported.

The Delhi Police investigation is ongoing, with a focus on tracing the origin of the explosion and the identity of the perpetrators.

With inputs from ANI