Delhi Red Fort explosion kills 13 Police invoke terror laws

A devastating car explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort has left at least 13 people dead and over 20 injured. Indian authorities are treating the incident as a potential terrorist attack and have launched a nationwide security alert.

Deadly Blast Rocks Old Delhi

On the evening of November 11, 2025, at approximately 6:52 pm local time (13:52 GMT), a powerful explosion tore through a crowded intersection in Old Delhi. The blast, originating from a Hyundai i20 car, occurred near the Red Fort Metro Station during rush hour, causing widespread panic and destruction.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by chaos as vehicles were damaged and fire engulfed the area. “I saw someone’s hand on the ground, completely destroyed. The blast was horrific,” said one resident. Several autorickshaws and cars caught fire in the aftermath.

Investigation and Arrests

Delhi Police have detained multiple individuals connected to the car, including Mohammad Salman, the original owner who sold the vehicle years ago, and the recent buyer. Authorities are also examining CCTV footage showing another masked driver, allegedly a doctor from Kashmir, behind the wheel at the time of the explosion.

Indian police have invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the Explosives Act, signaling that the blast may be treated as a terrorist act rather than a criminal or accidental incident. Security has been heightened across major cities, and key railway stations are under strict surveillance.

The Blast Location and Significance

The explosion occurred in a busy part of Old Delhi, near the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of India’s sovereignty. Built in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Red Fort is the site from which India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, delivered his historic Independence Day speech in 1947.

The blast’s proximity to this iconic landmark has raised concerns about the potential symbolic motive behind the attack.

Security and Political Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in Bhutan at the time, expressed condolences and vowed that the perpetrators “will not be spared.” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized swift investigation and comprehensive security measures.

International reactions included condolences from Israel and Egypt, as well as travel advisories and security alerts issued by the United States and the United Kingdom.

Background: Delhi and Terror Attacks

Delhi has experienced multiple terrorist attacks over the years, although none of this scale has occurred in over a decade. Notable past attacks include:

• 2000 & 2001 Red Fort Attacks: Carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), causing multiple fatalities.
• 2005-2008 Series of Bombings: Including attacks in crowded markets and transportation hubs, killing dozens.
• 2011 Delhi High Court Blast: A briefcase bomb killed 15 people.

Indian authorities often attribute such attacks to Pakistan-based armed groups or local extremist networks, highlighting ongoing national security challenges.

On the Ground: Witness Accounts and Chaos

Residents of Old Delhi described scenes of horror as the blast shattered the normally bustling streets. Relatives struggled to locate missing loved ones, while emergency services worked to rescue victims. Videos circulating online showed mangled vehicles, fire, and smoke rising near the Red Fort, highlighting the scale of the destruction.

Broader Context: Rising Security Concerns

The Red Fort blast comes amid heightened national security vigilance following the arrest of a Kashmiri doctor allegedly plotting a separate terrorist attack in Haryana. Indian authorities are treating both cases seriously, with rigorous investigations underway to prevent further incidents.

The blast also coincides with the second phase of state elections in Bihar, underscoring the sensitivity of managing security during major political events.

Conclusion

The Red Fort explosion is one of the deadliest attacks in India’s capital in over a decade. As authorities intensify investigations under anti-terror laws, the nation mourns the loss of innocent lives. Security agencies continue to work tirelessly to track down those responsible and prevent any further attacks.