Ofure Akhigbe
The Indian government has officially declared the Delhi Car Blast near the historic Red Fort on Monday a terror attack, saying it was carried out by anti-national forces. At least eight people were killed and 20 others injured in the explosion, which occurred in one of the city’s busiest areas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet condemned the attack during a security meeting on Wednesday, calling the Delhi Car Blast a “cowardly act” and urging authorities to pursue the investigation with urgency and professionalism. “The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion. The perpetrators, collaborators, and sponsors must be brought to justice without delay,” the cabinet said in its resolution.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the explosion happened at around 18:52 local time (13:52 GMT) when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 stopped at a red light before detonating. The blast damaged nearby vehicles and prompted a high alert across Delhi and neighboring states, including Uttar Pradesh. Home Minister Amit Shah said all possibilities were being explored and that the results of the investigation would be presented to the public.
Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences to the victims’ families, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described the Delhi Car Blast as “extremely heartbreaking.”
The Delhi Car Blast has not only caused tragic loss of life but also heightened security concerns in the capital, particularly around major landmarks like the Red Fort.