Nation on High Alert After Delhi Blast: Two Detained, Amit Shah to Visit Site

Fresh details have emerged in connection with the powerful explosion that rocked the national capital near the Red Fort on Monday evening.

Delhi Police said that the blast took place at around 6:55 PM when a Hyundai i20 car with three occupants stopped at the signal. The blast reportedly came from the rear side of the car, triggering panic in the area.

Senior police officers said the identities of the three are yet to be established. Meanwhile, police have taken two persons into custody, reportedly for their suspected role, and are interrogating them. Investigation officials said that the material used in the blast was highly inflammable, indicative of a planned act.

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The entire area has been cordoned off, and forensic teams have begun collecting evidence from the site. Delhi Police officials say that they are working in close coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to establish the motive behind the attack.

Tightened Security countrywide

Accordingly, the Union Home Ministry issued a high alert all over the country. Several major cities, like Mumbai, Patna, Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chandigarh, have significantly tightened security.

The administration has shut the Jama Masjid in the national capital temporarily, while additional security forces have been deployed at sensitive locations. A similar alert has been sounded in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Haryana.

Airports, railway stations, and metro networks have been brought under intensified security surveillance by the Central Industrial Security Force.

Also Read: Massive Explosion Near Delhi’s Red Fort: 8 Dead, Several Injured

Top-Level Response from Centre

Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited the LNJP Hospital late Monday evening to meet those injured in the blast. He is also scheduled to visit the blast site for an on-ground inspection.

Sources said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking an update on the situation. The Home Minister has held discussions with the IB Chief and the Delhi Police Commissioner to review the evolving scenario.

Meanwhile, Amit Shah has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident by both the Delhi Police and NIA and to submit an early report.