Amit Shah convenes high-level review meeting at MHA after Red Fort blast, UAPA invoked

A team of forensic experts and security personnel conducted a detailed inspection of the blast site near Delhi’s Red Fort, where a devastating explosion in a Hyundai i20 claimed eight lives and injured several others on Monday, November 10 evening.

In the wake of the tragedy, the Union Home Ministry has convened a high-level review meeting this morning at 9:30 a.m. Home Minister Amit Shah is chairing the meeting, which is being attended by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) Chief, the Home Secretary, the Delhi Police Commissioner, and other senior officials to assess the situation and discuss further security measures.

The explosion occurred around 6:50 p.m. near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, when the vehicle reportedly halted at a red light. The intensity of the blast destroyed nearby vehicles and caused severe injuries to several passersby, who were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals.

Investigating agencies have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), suspecting a planned terror attack. Security has been tightened in Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities, as intelligence inputs suggest possible links to a broader network.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the i20 car used in the blast had several traffic challans registered in the Delhi-NCR region, all of which had been paid.

According to sources, Umar Mohammad, believed to be the key suspect, was inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion. He allegedly planned the attack with two associates and may have acted prematurely following recent arrests in Faridabad, which possibly caused panic within the group.

Initial forensic analysis indicates that ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), a commonly used industrial explosive, was likely employed in the blast.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State has extended condolences to the victims. In an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), the department said, “Our hearts are with those affected by the terrible explosion in New Delhi. We continue to closely monitor the situation. Our sincere condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, and we pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, with special teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Delhi Police Special Cell working jointly to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.