Red Fort blast: NIA to take over probe, Amit Shah to chair another meeting

On Monday evening, a blast occurred in a Hyundai i20 car at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort, which left at least 9 people dead

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday handed over the probe into the blast near Delhi's Red Fort to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), news agency PTI reported. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has called another security review meeting at 3 pm today.  A Hyundai i20 car burst into flames at the Subhash Marg traffic signal near the Red Fort, leading to nearby vehicles also catching fire.    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that those responsible for the blast near Delhi's Red Fort will be brought to justice, adding that they "won't be spared under any circumstances".  The Delhi police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita in connection with the high-intensity blast near Red Fort last night, which left at least 12 people dead and 20 injured.

 

Here are the top developments in the Red Fort blast case:

 

1. Expressing his condolences to the victims and their families, Rajnath Singh said, "I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their lives in the tragic accident that occurred in Delhi yesterday. I pray to God to grant strength and solace to the bereaved families in this hour of deep grief."   

He further added, "I wish to assure my fellow citizens that the country’s leading investigative agencies are conducting a swift and thorough inquiry into the incident. The findings of the investigation will soon be made public. I want to firmly assure the nation that those responsible for this tragedy will be brought to justice and will not be spared under any circumstances."

  2. In the wake of the blast, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a security review meeting today, which was attended by Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, and NIA Director General Sadanand Vasant Date attended the meeting. Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat joined the discussions virtually.  3. During the meeting, top officials gave detailed presentations on the situation in the national capital in the aftermath of the blast. The home minister said that the top investigating agencies were probing the blast, and would go in-depth into the incident.  4. The police have registered a case under sections 16, 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various sections of the Explosives Act and the BNS at the Kotwali Police Station.  5. Security has also been ramped up in several cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday also expressed condolences for the victims of the blast and announced that security has also been strengthened at major railway stations 

 

6. Amid the ongoing investigations, the Red Fort metro station will remain closed for the day, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said in a post on X.  7. Raids are being conducted at multiple locations by Delhi police. The national capital has been placed on high alert with strict vigil being maintained at the airport, railway stations and bus terminals.

 

 

8. Condolences have also been pouring in from several envoys. The US State Department Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, in a post on X, wrote, "Our hearts are with those affected by the terrible explosion in New Delhi. We continue to closely monitor the situation. Our sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured."