Indian police have launched an investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after a car exploded near the Red Fort in central Delhi, killing at least eight people.
The explosion occurred Monday evening on a busy street, when a slow-moving vehicle reportedly stopped at a traffic signal and detonated just before 7 p.m. local time. Authorities closed the Red Fort and shut the nearby Red Fort Metro station for three days while forensic teams comb the scene to determine the cause.
Several states, including Karnataka, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, were placed on high alert as investigators widened security measures around the capital.
“Investigation is at a preliminary stage and any comment on it will be too premature,” Deputy Commissioner of Police Raja Banthia said, cautioning that details remained limited while inquiries continue.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was visiting Bhutan, offered condolences to the families of the victims and pledged that those responsible would be held accountable. “The horrific incident that happened in Delhi last evening has deeply disturbed everyone,” he said, adding that agencies would “get to the very bottom of this conspiracy.”
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said investigative teams were conducting a “swift and thorough inquiry” and that results would be shared publicly when available. Home Minister Amit Shah said authorities were probing “all angles,” and that footage from nearby surveillance cameras would be a key part of the probe.
The blast revived painful memories of an April attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 Hindu tourists and briefly raised tensions with Pakistan; New Delhi blamed Islamist militants allegedly backed by Islamabad, a claim Pakistan denies.
Investigators continue to search for evidence and motives as forensic specialists examine the vehicle and surrounding area. Officials have urged the public to remain calm while the probe proceeds.