Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to bring those behind Monday’s deadly car explosion near Delhi’s historic Red Fort to justice. The blast claimed at least eight lives and injured around 20 others, prompting authorities to treat the incident as a suspected act of terrorism.
Speaking before departing for a scheduled visit to Bhutan, Modi condemned the attack, saying, “The horrific incident that happened in Delhi last evening has deeply disturbed everyone. Our agencies will get to the very bottom of this conspiracy. The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the top investigative agencies are probing the blast, though the cause has not yet been determined. “Those responsible for this tragedy will be brought to justice and will not be spared under any circumstances,” he said.
The explosion occurred at 6:52 pm on Monday when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 stopped at a traffic signal near the Red Fort before detonating, scattering debris into nearby crowds, according to Delhi police. Authorities have closed the Red Fort and surrounding areas for three days while investigators comb the vicinity for evidence.
Victims were taken to Lok Nayak Hospital, which has been secured for safety as families anxiously awaited updates. “We at least know that my cousin is here, whether he is injured or not or the extent of his injury, we don’t know anything,” a relative told Reuters.
Delhi police have registered a case under India’s stringent anti-terrorism laws as investigations continue.
