States tighten security after deadly car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort

Mumbai: Security has been tightened across multiple states after a high-intensity blast ripped through a car parked near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on Monday evening, killing at least ten people and injuring several others.

Mumbai Police said security has been stepped up at all vital installations and sensitive locations across the city.

“Patrolling and vehicle checks have been intensified at key points, random frisking of suspicious individuals is being conducted, nakabandis have been implemented, and ground intelligence strengthened,” a Mumbai Police informed. All police stations have been directed to remain on alert.

Also Read: ‘It felt as if we were all going to die’: Eyewitness recounts horror of Red Fort blast

In Uttar Pradesh, the state police have been put on high alert following instructions from the Director General of Police (DGP). “The DGP has issued directions to increase security at sensitive religious sites, border areas, and districts. All security agencies have been alerted,” said ADG (Law and Order) Amitabh Yash. Orders have been issued from Lucknow to increase patrols and surveillance in sensitive areas.

Kanpur Joint Police Commissioner, Law and Order Ashutosh Kumar says, "In response to the Delhi incident, a 'search and check' operation has been launched, involving all police personnel on duty. They have been instructed to conduct inspections at all important points. Today, we are carrying out checks at the IMI station, with around 20 personnel deployed in their respective areas."

Also Read: ‘It was fire everywhere, body parts scattered’: How massive was the Red Fort Metro explosion in Delhi?

Police forces in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have been placed on high alert, with intensified security measures underway.

In Rajasthan, Additional Commissioner Rajiv Prachar said, “Following the incident at the Red Fort, all police stations and officers have been put on high alert. All mobile patrol vehicles have been deployed. Police are stationed at crowded places such as bars, malls, and markets.”

In Uttarakhand, Haridwar police have ramped up security checks and surveillance across the city. “Following the Delhi Red Fort blast, Haridwar police are on high alert, conducting intensive checks at key locations and increasing patrols and CCTV surveillance. Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately,” officials said.

In Noida, Uttar Pradesh, DCP Yamuna Prasad says, "In Gautambudh Nagar, a checking drive is underway. Random inspections are being conducted at crowded places, malls, and all parking areas. Our anti-sabotage team and BDDS team are fully deployed for the checks. Additionally, commando teams have been called in, and all personnel are actively participating in the inspection operations.”

Kerala Police Chief Ravada Azad Chandrasekhar has directed the police to strengthen security across the state.

An alert has also been issued in Haryana. The government has issued instructions to all district magistrates.

Security has been tightened in Chennai following the explosion in a car near Delhi's Red Fort. 

The blast in Delhi happened near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, triggering a massive fire that engulfed nearby vehicles. As per the latest reports, eight people have been confirmed dead and several others injured.

“The intensity was quite high. Injuries are feared,” said a senior Delhi Fire Service official. Seven fire tenders were deployed, and police cordoned off the area as anti-terror and forensic teams began an investigation.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the explosion shattered nearby vehicle windows and sent plumes of smoke billowing into the air. “I was at the gurdwara when I heard a strong sound. We couldn’t make out what it was—it was that loud,” said one local witness.