Cabinet calls Delhi blast a terror act, reiterates zero tolerance policy

The Cabinet described the incident as a "senseless act of violence" perpetrated by "anti-national forces" and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families

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The Union Cabinet on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning the recent car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, terming it a “senseless act of violence” and designating it as an act of terror. It also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the blast and observed two minutes of silence in memory of the victims.

 

The resolution follows a blast near the Red Fort metro station two days ago, which killed 12 people and injured several others.

 

In its resolution, the Cabinet described the incident as a “heinous terror incident perpetrated by anti-national forces” and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. It also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and commended the swift response of medical staff and emergency personnel who assisted victims at the scene.

 

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during the briefing, said: “The Cabinet directs that the investigation into the incident be pursued with the utmost urgency and professionalism so that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay. The situation continues to be closely monitored at the highest levels of the government.”

 

How did the Cabinet respond to the Red Fort blast?

Strongly denouncing the attack, the Cabinet reiterated India’s firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. It also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of solidarity from governments worldwide following the incident.

 

The Cabinet further lauded the coordinated efforts of security agencies, authorities, and citizens who displayed courage and compassion in the aftermath of the explosion.

 

What do we know about the Delhi blast?

 

A Hyundai i20 car exploded near the Red Fort on Monday evening, killing 12 people and injuring several others, while setting nearby vehicles ablaze. The driver has been identified as Dr Umar Nabi from Pulwama.

 

Following the incident, the Delhi Police arrested multiple suspects in connection with the attack, which is believed to have been triggered in panic following coordinated raids across Delhi-NCR, according to PTI. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) recovered over 40 pieces of evidence from the blast site, including two cartridges (one live) and samples of two types of explosives, another PTI report stated.

 

Who has been arrested in connection with the blast?

A day after the explosion, authorities arrested Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow for allegedly helping set up the women’s wing of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in India. Her brother, Dr Parvez Ansari, was arrested for his involvement in the blast, reported NDTV.

 

Hours before the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had busted an “inter-state” terror module linked to JeM and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, arresting seven individuals, reported The Indian Express.