A powerful explosion outside Red Fort Metro Station sparked panic and a city-wide alert as officials investigate possible links to a recently busted terror network.
New Delhi | November 10, 2025
A massive explosion ripped through a car parked near Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring several others, according to initial reports from the Delhi Fire Services and police officials.
The blast occurred around 7:05 PM near Gate No. 1 of the busy metro station, moments after rush-hour commuters had dispersed. The impact was so strong that nearby vehicles caught fire, and window panes of shops and parked cars shattered across the area.
“We received a call about the explosion around 7:05 PM. Seven fire tenders were immediately rushed to the site,” said a Delhi Fire Services spokesperson.
Flames engulfed three to four vehicles, prompting a swift firefighting response as police cordoned off the area and imposed a city-wide high alert.
The Scene: Panic and Chaos
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion, with thick smoke billowing across the busy Red Fort area — a key heritage and tourist zone.
“There was a huge bang, and we saw flames rising from a parked car,” said Rajeev Sharma, a shopkeeper nearby. “People were running in all directions. It felt like a bomb blast.”
Authorities evacuated the vicinity as forensic teams and National Security Guard (NSG) units arrived to examine the debris. Delhi Metro services around Red Fort were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.
Preliminary Investigation: Terror Angle Not Ruled Out
Senior police officials have not ruled out the possibility of a terror connection, given the timing and nature of the blast.
The explosion came hours after security agencies busted a major terror module in Faridabad, allegedly involving operatives from Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH) — two Pakistan-based militant groups with prior footprints in Delhi-NCR.
Eight people, including three doctors, were arrested during the operation, which uncovered 360 kilograms of explosives and automatic weapons in a rented house in Dhauj village, Faridabad.
Officials said the method and materials used in the Red Fort blast are being compared with those seized from the terror module.
High Alert in Delhi-NCR
Following the explosion, Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora ordered enhanced patrolling around sensitive locations, including India Gate, Connaught Place, and major metro hubs.
Security agencies have been directed to conduct sweeping checks of parking lots, unattended vehicles, and marketplaces ahead of the upcoming winter session of Parliament.
“We are treating this as a high-priority investigation. Teams from NIA and NSG have joined Delhi Police’s Special Cell to determine the origin and motive of the blast,” said a senior official.
The Delhi Traffic Police has also diverted movement around Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Daryaganj to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
Of the eight confirmed deaths, authorities said several victims were trapped in vehicles caught in the fire.
Among the injured, two are reported to be in critical condition at Lok Nayak Hospital. Forensic teams have begun identifying the deceased, while police are analyzing CCTV footage from nearby cameras to trace any suspicious movement.
“Initial analysis suggests the explosion originated from within the parked car, but we are awaiting the forensic report,” a senior fire department officer said.
Security Context: A Chilling Pattern
This blast has reignited concerns over urban terror threats in Delhi, particularly ahead of major public events.
Security sources noted that Jaish-e-Mohammed has been attempting to expand its sleeper cell network in northern India since mid-2024, while Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind has used digital propaganda to recruit educated youth.
The Faridabad module exposed earlier in the day was believed to have links spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, raising questions about coordinated planning and target selection.
“Given the sophistication of the explosives found in Faridabad, we can’t rule out the possibility that this was part of a larger chain,” said a senior NIA source.
What Happens Next
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NIA & NSG have joined the probe.
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Forensic experts to analyze explosive residue.
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Red Fort and central Delhi zones remain under tight security.
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A joint inter-agency meeting is scheduled tonight at Delhi Police HQ.
Officials are also investigating whether the Red Fort car was part of a parked vehicle cluster used as a decoy — a tactic seen in earlier terror attacks.
Public Advisory
Authorities have urged citizens to stay calm and avoid spreading rumors on social media. Delhi Police has activated a helpline number for information related to missing persons or eyewitness footage.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is expected to issue a detailed statement following a security review late Monday night.
