The Indian government has declared a deadly car explosion in a bustling area of Delhi, the nation’s capital, a “terror incident.”
The explosion, which occurred near the city’s historic Red Fort on Monday, resulted in at least eight fatalities and left 20 others injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet convened a security meeting late on Wednesday, where they condemned the attack as a cowardly act perpetrated by anti-national elements.
As of yet, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or made any arrests in connection with the explosion.
In a resolution issued on Wednesday, the cabinet stated: “The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion.”
The cabinet further directed that the investigation into the incident be pursued with the utmost urgency and professionalism, ensuring that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and swiftly brought to justice.
The cabinet also expressed its unequivocal condemnation of the “dastardly and cowardly act” that resulted in the loss of innocent lives.
India remains “unwaveringly committed” to a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, the cabinet emphasized.
The explosion took place near a metro station in close proximity to the Red Fort, one of Delhi’s most prominent landmarks.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha informed reporters that the incident occurred at approximately 18:52 local time (13:52 GMT), when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a traffic light before detonating, causing damage to surrounding vehicles.
A police spokesperson told the BBC that the explosion originated from a Hyundai i20 car, which was in motion and occupied by three individuals at the time of the incident.
Following the explosion, Delhi police declared a high alert, prompting neighboring states, including the heavily populated northern state of Uttar Pradesh, home to iconic sites such as the Taj Mahal, to swiftly follow suit.
According to a minister, police, forensic experts, and security teams are actively investigating the explosion, following the incident on Monday.
“We are exploring all avenues and will conduct a thorough investigation, considering all possibilities. All options will be investigated immediately, and we will present the findings to the public,” stated Home Minister Amit Shah.
Prime Minister Modi conveyed his condolences to those who had lost loved ones in the blast. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi described the news as “extremely heartbreaking.”
The Red Fort, constructed in the 17th century, attracts thousands of tourists daily. It serves as the venue for Indian prime ministers’ annual Independence Day speeches.
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Anti-terror police are now investigating the cause of the explosion on Monday.
Eyewitnesses describe what they saw after the blast near the Red Fort in the Indian capital.
Twenty more were injured in the blast, the cause of which is still unknown, authorities say.
Police say eight people have been killed after a car explodes near Delhi’s Red Fort landmark in India.