New Delhi, India :
A devastating explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening has claimed 13 lives and left over two dozen injured, triggering a nationwide security alert. The blast occurred around 6:52 PM on Netaji Subhash Marg, close to Gate No. 1 of the Lal Quila Metro Station, during peak traffic hours.
According to initial reports, the explosion originated from a white Hyundai i20, later identified as being driven by Dr. Umar Nabi, a suspect linked to a separate explosives case in Faridabad. His remains are undergoing DNA verification. CCTV footage shows the vehicle parked for over two hours before the blast, which ignited nearby vehicles and caused widespread panic across Old Delhi.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, with early findings pointing to a possible suicide bombing. Authorities are investigating links to Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terror group. The Ministry of Home Affairs has invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and security has been tightened across major cities, including Jammu and Kashmir.
The father of the suspected bomber has been detained in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, for questioning. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have held high-level meetings to assess the situation. International reactions have poured in, with countries like Israel and the UK issuing travel advisories and expressing condolences.
The Lal Quila Metro Station remain closed as forensic teams continue collecting evidence. The blast has reignited concerns over urban security and the vulnerability of public transit hubs.
