Red Fort Blast: 8 killed as Hyundai i20 explodes in Central Delhi
New Delhi – A calm Monday evening in Delhi turned chaotic when a white Hyundai i20 exploded on Netaji Subhash Marg near the Red Fort. The blast killed eight people, including all three occupants of the car. Police teams cordoned off the area as panic spread through Old Delhi’s crowded lanes.
Investigators began tracking the vehicle’s movements using CCTV footage from Daryaganj to the Red Fort. According to sources, the car entered the Sunehri Masjid parking lot around 4 pm and stayed there for nearly two hours. Later, it exited the lot, took a U-turn near Old Delhi Railway Station, and headed toward Lower Subhash Marg. Moments later, it exploded near a traffic signal at Chhata Rail Chowk.
Officials confirmed that the blast occurred when the car slowed down at the signal. The explosion shattered nearby windows and damaged several vehicles. Locals rushed to help as police and fire teams arrived within minutes.
Investigators identified the car’s registration number as HR26CE7674. The vehicle had changed hands multiple times since its first registration in 2014. It originally belonged to a Gurugram resident, Mohd Salman. He later sold it to a man named Devender, who then sold it to someone in Ambala. The registered owner, now detained in Delhi, is being questioned. Police from Ambala and Gurugram have joined the probe to trace the car’s recent transactions.
Meanwhile, forensic teams collected debris from the blast site. Officials said they found metallic fragments suggesting a high-intensity explosive. However, they have yet to confirm whether the device was remotely triggered or timed. Investigators are also checking if the explosion had any terror links or was an accident caused by explosive material hidden inside the car.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the media late Monday evening. He said that multiple agencies — including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Delhi Police’s anti-terror unit — are investigating the case from all angles. “A comprehensive probe is underway. We will share the findings with the public soon,” he stated.
Following the blast, authorities tightened security across Delhi. Police increased patrols around metro stations, government offices, and the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The CISF deployed additional personnel at sensitive locations.
The Lal Qila Metro Station, especially Gates 1 and 4 on the Violet Line, remained closed for hours as bomb disposal teams scanned the area. Traffic along Netaji Subhash Marg was diverted through Jama Masjid and Daryaganj.
By night, the charred remains of the Hyundai i20 were towed for forensic testing. Residents of Old Delhi remained tense as police urged them to report any suspicious activity.
The Red Fort blast has revived memories of past attacks in the capital. Yet, investigators insist they will not draw conclusions until evidence confirms the cause. For now, Delhi waits anxiously for answers.
