Anti-terrorism investigations after car blast that killed at least 8 in Delhi tourist area | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Deadly car blast in Delhi
• Red Fort, Old Delhi
• Anti-terror legislation (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act - UAPA)
• National Investigation Agency (NIA)
• High-intensity explosion
• Forensic teams
• High alert (Delhi, Mumbai, neighboring states)
• Possible causes: accident, sabotage, terror-related incident

Incident Overview and Immediate Aftermath

On Tuesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that all individuals responsible for a fatal car blast in Delhi would be brought to justice. The explosion occurred on Monday near the historic Red Fort in Delhi's Old Town, a heavily trafficked tourist area. First responders arrived at the scene to find a chaotic situation with significant destruction. Ambulances were dispatched, but for some victims, it was too late, with responders reporting finding only dead bodies and transporting approximately five to the hospital. The area was immediately sealed off by police for inspection by senior officials.

Scene Description and Eyewitness Accounts

Adil Bat, a New Delhi correspondent, reported from a few hundred meters away from the blast site. The area, usually bustling with tourists and commuters, was completely blocked off with a heavy security presence. Damaged cars were visible, and glass panels in the nearby metro station were shattered, indicating the force of the explosion. Officials described it as a high-intensity explosion, with the car at the epicenter being completely destroyed. Nearly a dozen nearby vehicles caught fire, with at least six cars confirmed to have been engulfed in flames. Eyewitnesses described a loud bang followed by chaos, with people running for cover amidst thick smoke and flames. One tea stall owner reported the ground shaking and everything catching fire within seconds. Another witness on the ground saw people rushing out to see several vehicles on fire with burnt bodies scattered around. The sound of the explosion was reportedly heard up to 2 kilometers away, leaving locals in shock and panic.

Investigation and Legal Measures

The investigation into the blast is being handled by multiple top security agencies, including the National Security Agency and Delhi Police, with the Home Ministry Amit Shah calling for a high-level meeting. A significant development is the invocation of the anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), by the Delhi Police. This action was taken after forensic evidence and intelligence inputs suggested a possible terrorist strike. However, authorities have emphasized that the cause is not yet conclusive and are keeping all angles open, including the possibilities of an accident, sabotage, or a terror-related incident. Raids are being conducted across multiple locations by the Delhi Police.

Security Measures and Alerts

The national capital has been placed on high alert, with strict vigilance maintained at airports, railway stations, metro stations, and bus terminals. Forensic teams have collected samples from the wreckage and are conducting investigations. The red alert is not confined to Delhi; it has been extended to other states, including Mumbai, and neighboring states.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The car blast near the Red Fort in Delhi has triggered a multi-agency investigation, with authorities employing anti-terror legislation due to initial intelligence suggesting a possible terrorist link. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the incident has led to a heightened security posture across the national capital and beyond, with a focus on preventing further incidents. The government has pledged to bring those responsible to justice, underscoring the seriousness of the event.