In the heart of India’s bustling capital, where history meets the hum of everyday life, a shocking explosion on November 10, 2025, shattered the evening calm near the iconic Red Fort. The blast, originating from a white Hyundai i20 car, claimed at least 15 lives and injured more than 20 others, sending ripples of fear through Delhi and beyond. For millions of Indians who view the Red Fort—Lal Qila—as a symbol of resilience and independence, this incident was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in urban spaces.
This evergreen guide, tailored for Indian readers, provides a clear, factual overview of what unfolded, drawing exclusively from verified reports by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Delhi Police, and major news outlets like BBC, Reuters, and The Hindu. We’ll avoid unconfirmed details or speculation, focusing on the timeline, response, and lessons for community safety. As investigations continue, understanding these events empowers citizens to stay informed and vigilant.
The Incident: A Sudden Blast in Old Delhi’s Bustle
The explosion occurred at approximately 6:52 PM IST near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Qila Metro Station, a stone’s throw from the 17th-century Red Fort in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area. Eyewitnesses described a deafening roar that echoed up to 3 kilometers away, shattering windows and plunging nearby streetlights into darkness.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha confirmed that a slow-moving vehicle halted at a red light on Subhash Marg when the detonation happened inside it, igniting a fire that engulfed six cars, two e-rickshaws, and one auto-rickshaw. The Delhi Fire Services received frantic calls between 6:50 PM and 7:05 PM, dispatching seven fire tenders that contained the blaze by 7:29 PM.
The area, a vibrant hub of markets, street vendors, and commuters, turned chaotic. Videos from the Chandni Chowk Traders’ Association captured the horror: mangled vehicles, charred remains, and pedestrians fleeing in panic. Among the victims were everyday Delhiites—like Lokesh Agrawal, a shop owner from Uttar Pradesh visiting a relative at a hospital, and Mohd Mohsin, an e-rickshaw driver from Daryaganj. Families like Sonu Agrawal’s, who lost Lokesh, and Nazish Malik’s, searching for Mohsin, shared heart-wrenching stories of grief and uncertainty.
The Hyundai i20, registered in Haryana, had been parked in the Red Fort complex for over three hours prior, with CCTV footage showing a masked driver at the wheel moments before the blast. Forensic teams later identified ammonium nitrate traces, a common explosive precursor, at the site.
Casualties and Immediate Aftermath: A City’s Collective Trauma
The death toll, initially reported at eight, rose to 15 as of November 19, with over 20 injured, many treated at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital. Eight victims succumbed en route or upon arrival, their bodies charred beyond recognition, underscoring the blast’s ferocity.
| Key Impact Details | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Deaths | 15 (as of Nov 19, 2025) |
| Injuries | More than 20, including pedestrians and drivers |
| Vehicles Damaged | 9 (6 cars, 2 e-rickshaws, 1 auto-rickshaw fully gutted; others scorched) |
| Affected Area | Subhash Marg near Lal Qila Metro Gate 1; blast radius impacted nearby buildings |
| Hospital Response | LNJP Hospital received most casualties; ambulances (30-40) mobilized |
The Press Information Bureau debunked misinformation, such as claims of a CNG cylinder burst or false-flag operations, urging reliance on official channels. The Lal Qila Metro Station closed for three days, and the Red Fort site remained shuttered, disrupting tourism in this UNESCO World Heritage gem.
Official Response: Swift Action and Heightened Security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chairing Cabinet Committee on Security meetings, vowed that “conspirators will not be spared,” while Home Minister Amit Shah visited the site and hospital, promising a thorough probe. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh echoed this, emphasizing “swift and thorough” investigations.
Delhi Police invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Explosives Act, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, signaling a terror probe from the outset. The NIA took over on November 11, deploying National Security Guard (NSG) and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams.
A nationwide high alert ensued: airports, railway stations, and heritage sites ramped up checks via the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). States like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Mumbai issued red alerts, with enhanced patrols at sensitive spots. The US Embassy advised avoiding crowds, and international condolences poured in from the EU, Australia, China, and Bangladesh.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called it “heartbreaking,” urging transparency, while Congress demanded a press briefing. Candle marches in Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir honored victims.
Investigation Insights: A Network Unraveled
The NIA classified the blast as a suicide attack, with forensic evidence identifying the driver as Dr. Umar Un Nabi, an assistant professor from Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, working at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Two to three occupants were in the car; DNA confirmed Un Nabi’s role.
Links emerged to a terror module busted days earlier in Faridabad, where 2,900 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, were seized, alongside arrests of doctors like Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Adeel Ahmad Rather—colleagues of Un Nabi. The module, tied to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH), planned coordinated blasts across North India.
As of November 20, NIA arrested six suspects, including Amir Rashid Ali (car registrant) and four more from Jammu & Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh. A Special Investigation Team probes Al-Falah University, where over 200 staff face scrutiny; founder Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui was detained in a related money-laundering case. Traces lead to fugitive Mirza Shadab Baig, an ex-student.
Un Nabi’s house in Pulwama was demolished under anti-terror laws. Sources suggest the blast was premature, triggered by panic after arrests.
Broader Implications: Security Lessons for Urban India
This was Delhi’s first major blast since 2011, highlighting gaps in crowded heritage zones despite heavy guarding. It exposed “white-collar terror networks” involving professionals, prompting vehicle verification drives with car dealers and ammonium nitrate tracking.
For Delhiites and Indians nationwide, it reinforces the need for community vigilance: report suspicious activities, verify information, and support probes. Recent hoax bomb threats to schools and courts underscore ongoing threats.
Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena ordered digital records for explosive precursors and audits of markets and bus terminals. As India strengthens ties against terror, this incident calls for balanced urban security—protecting landmarks while nurturing their spirit.
Moving Forward: Unity in the Face of Adversity
The Red Fort blast, though devastating, showcases India’s resolve: rapid response saved lives, and arrests dismantled a network. For families mourning losses—from Amroha shopkeepers to Daryaganj drivers—it’s a call to honor victims by fostering safer cities. PM Modi reiterated: “Such acts of cowardice will not deter us.”
Stay safe, stay informed—report via 100 or local police. Verified updates from NIA and PIB are your best guide.
Also read:Gold & Silver Prices in India: What to Know for Investors and Buyers
Last Updated on: Friday, November 21, 2025 1:10 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Friday, November 21, 2025 1:09 pm | News Categories: News
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