Delhi Chief Minister Appeals for Calm After Tragic Explosion
A devastating explosion rocked the area near Delhi's historic Red Fort on Monday evening, claiming eight lives and leaving several injured in what authorities are calling an extremely distressing and alarming incident. The blast occurred as evening descended on the capital, sending shockwaves through the city and prompting immediate response from emergency services.
Top Agencies Launch Joint Investigation
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway involving the nation's top security and investigative agencies. Teams from the Delhi Police, National Security Guard (NSG), National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are working in close coordination to unravel the circumstances behind the explosion. In her official statement posted on social media platform X, the CM emphasized the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.
CM Gupta expressed her profound grief, stating, "I express my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragic accident. I pray to God that the injured recover swiftly." She made a direct appeal to the public, urging citizens to rely only on official information released by police and administration officials and to avoid spreading unverified rumors that could disrupt peace in the city.
Political Leaders Unite in Condemnation and Support
The tragic event prompted responses from across the political spectrum. CM Gupta, along with Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh and Education Minister Ashish Sood, visited Lok Nayak Hospital on Monday night to meet with the injured victims and their families, assessing the medical response firsthand.
Education Minister Ashish Sood described the explosion as "extremely distressing and alarming" in his social media post, extending condolences to the families of the deceased. He noted that relief and security operations were proceeding under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva expressed solidarity with affected families, confirming that the administration was ensuring all injured received immediate medical assistance. AAP national convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called the incident "extremely alarming" and stated that negligence in Delhi's security couldn't be tolerated, demanding immediate investigation into whether a larger conspiracy was involved.
The response highlighted rare bipartisan concern, with Leader of Opposition and Former CM Atishi joining the call for a thorough investigation, while AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh made stronger allegations regarding potential involvement of external elements.
The explosion near one of India's most iconic monuments has raised significant security concerns, with authorities working tirelessly to determine the cause and prevent any further incidents in the capital city.
