- Prime Minister and Home Minister take charge as multi-agency probe launched
- Opposition demands transparent investigation; state forces deploy sweeping measures
NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI / AHMEDABAD / CHENNAI / MUMBAI, NOV 10
A powerful car explosion near the Red Fort metro station in Delhi on Monday evening triggered a nationwide security alert, with multiple states including Gujarat and Bihar launching intensified checks and precautionary measures. The incident, which killed at least 13 persons and injured 24, has set in motion a high‐level investigation and a broad security stand‐up across the country.
Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister, expressed grief over the loss of life and said he had reviewed the situation with Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, and other officials. “Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones … May the injured recover at the earliest. Those affected are being assisted by authorities,” Mr Modi posted on X.
Shah, who visited the blast site, said teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the National Security Guard (NSG) and forensic squads have been deployed, and “all possibilities” are being investigated. “Within ten minutes of receiving the information of the blast, teams from the Delhi Crime Branch and Delhi Special Branch arrived at the spot … Orders have been given to examine all nearby CCTV cameras.”
In Gujarat, the state police issued a statewide alert and stepped up patrolling, vehicle checks and monitoring of sensitive installations. “The situation is being closely monitored, and all units have been asked to stay alert and report any suspicious activity immediately,” a senior Gujarat police official said.
In Ahmedabad, the city police commissioner remarked: “There is no need to panic. I appeal to people to report any suspicious person or vehicle in their area. Our police teams are on the ground and we are taking all possible precautionary steps.”
Security Agencies on High Gear
Security forces across major states — including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala and Bihar — have launched immediate checks on transport hubs, border crossings, hotels, airports and major public installations. Public transport systems, metro stations and crowded zones are being monitored closely.
Political Reactions and Opposition Response
Indian National Congress described the blast as “extremely distressing” and demanded a thorough and speedy investigation. Its president, Mallikarjun Kharge, said:
“In this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families… The government must ensure a prompt and thorough investigation … so that those responsible for this lapse are held accountable.”
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, added: “The report of the deaths of several innocent people in this tragic incident is very painful. In this hour of grief, I stand with the bereaved families…”
What Happened & What’s At Stake
According to officials, the explosion exploded in a slow‐moving vehicle at a traffic signal near Red Fort’s metro station at around 6:52 pm, causing widespread damage to nearby vehicles and scattering debris.)
Meanwhile, in Gujarat, the Director‐General of Police has directed all city and district police chiefs to maintain heightened vigilance, set up checkpoints, intensify vehicle screening at state borders and monitor crowded places.
Amid Rising Alerts, Authorities Stress Preparedness
Security agencies emphasise that while no specific threat has been confirmed, these pre-emptive moves reflect the gravity of the incident and the potential for spill-over risks.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have urged citizens everywhere to report unusual activity and cooperate with local security forces.
