Police intensify investigation as death toll in Delhi blast rises to 13

Car allegedly linked to J&K doctor arrested in Faridabad

As investigation into the blast near Red Fort in Delhi continues, the death toll has risen to 13, with nearly 35 others undergoing treatment in hospitals. Police now say that the car which was at the centre of the blast has been linked to a doctor from Jammu and Kashmir who was detained on Monday in Faridabad, near Delhi.

The death toll in an explosion that took place just outside Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening has risen to 13 as more people succumbed to their injuries in hospitals in the capital. At least 35 others are still undergoing treatment in what remains a mysterious blast in the heart of Delhi.

The blast saw a quiet Monday evening in the heart of the capital turn into chaos as the powerful explosion ripped through the area near Red Fort Metro Station, outside  Gate No. 1, at around 18:52. According to eyewitnesses and officials, the blast originated from a Hyundai i20 car which was moving slowly, with the rush hour traffic, engulfing nearby vehicles in flames and sending shockwaves across one of Delhi’s busiest neighbourhoods.

Eyewitness accounts say that the explosion was so intense that buildings in the vicinity shook violently, and flames spread rapidly to adjacent cars. Within minutes, thick black smoke covered the area, causing panic among hundreds of commuters, shopkeepers, and tourists.

“The blast was so powerful it felt like the ground itself was shaking. Our shop is just a few metres away, people started screaming and running in all directions. For a moment, the entire market froze. Cars were burning, and the air was filled with smoke and fear,” Suraj Kumar, who works at a shop near Lala Lajpat Rai Market in Chandni Chowk, tells Media India Group.

Hospitals struggle with casualties

The injured were rushed to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, where emergency wards were put on high alert. Hospital sources confirmed that several patients were in critical condition, with some suffering up to 80 pc burn injuries, which can be fatal.

“Special teams have been deployed in the Intensive Care Units. The condition of some patients remains critical,” an LNJP hospital official, told Media India Group.

NIA, NSG join investigations

Given the serious nature of the blast, top investigative and security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG) and Forensic Science teams, have joined the investigations and have been deployed on the site.

A senior investigating officer revealed that CCTV footage had captured the Hyundai car moments before the explosion. Police say that two of previous registered owners of the vehicle have been detained for questioning, while forensic experts examine the vehicle remnants to determine the nature of the explosive used.

Following the Delhi explosion, security alerts have been issued across North India, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
Patrolling and surveillance have been intensified around major markets, metro stations, and government buildings.

“This is an extremely serious incident. No angle has been ruled out yet and the government has given full authority to all central agencies to conduct a thorough investigation,” said a senior official of the Union Home Ministry.

Meanwhile, police sources have leaked to media that the car may have links with a doctor hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, who was arrested in Faridabad, near Delhi, on Monday following alleged discovery of almost 3 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a dual-use product which is a very popular fertiliser but can also be used as an explosive. Police also allegedly seized a rifle and some live ammunition from the site.