A suspicious explosion rocked the area near Delhi's historic Red Fort on Tuesday evening when a parked car suddenly caught fire and exploded, sending shockwaves through the national capital's high-security zone.
Immediate Response and Security Measures
The incident occurred around 6:15 PM near the Red Fort metro station, a location that sees heavy footfall throughout the day. According to Delhi Police officials, the explosion happened in a parked Maruti Alto car that suddenly burst into flames near the parking area.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud blast sound followed by thick black smoke billowing from the vehicle. The Delhi Fire Service immediately dispatched multiple fire tenders to the spot, who managed to douse the flames within 30 minutes of receiving the alert.
Police Investigation and Findings
Senior police officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police from the North District, rushed to the spot to supervise the investigation. Forensic experts and bomb disposal squad teams were called to examine the scene and collect evidence from the charred remains of the vehicle.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the car was registered in Haryana, though authorities are working to establish the identity of the owner and how the vehicle reached the location. Police have recovered the vehicle's registration number and are tracing its ownership history.
"We are investigating all angles, including the possibility of a mechanical failure or something more suspicious," stated a senior police official on condition of anonymity. The area was immediately cordoned off, and traffic movement around the Red Fort was temporarily diverted as a precautionary measure.
Security Implications and Public Reaction
The location of the explosion holds significant security importance given its proximity to the Red Fort, where the Prime Minister addresses the nation every Independence Day. The incident has raised concerns about security preparedness in sensitive zones of the capital.
Local shopkeepers and residents expressed alarm at the incident. "We heard a loud thud and saw smoke rising. Initially, we panicked thinking it was something serious, but police quickly reached the spot," said Ramesh Kumar, a shop owner near the metro station.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, and authorities have confirmed that the situation is now under control. However, security has been heightened in the area, with increased police patrolling and vehicle checks being conducted throughout the night.
The investigation continues as authorities examine CCTV footage from nearby cameras and question potential witnesses to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Police have appealed to the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activities immediately.
