The blast near Red Fort has claimed at least 12 lives so far and left over 20 injured. The Delhi Police have invoked UAPA and agencies are investigating all angles. The cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained.
Newslaundry reached the spot minutes after the explosion, capturing scenes of panic, charred vehicles, and first responders.
“I was selling litti-chokha when I heard the explosion. My stall shook, the umbrella fell, posters flew away,” recalled A P Yadav, one of the first eyewitnesses.
Deep Kishore, a 21-year-old who works at an LED light repair shop in the vicinity, showed Newslaundry several videos he had recorded on his phone, including one that has been widely circulated on social media. “Shops trembled. Tin sheets shattered. I went to see…bodies were scattered on the ground…three cars exploded…I helped out the injured. One person had a rod through his thigh. It was heavily crowded…It left me terrified.”
Hours earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had seized nearly 3,000 kg of explosives in Haryana, including around 350 kg of ammonium nitrate, prompting questions about possible links. Speaking to the media, DCP North Raja Banthia on Tuesday said the investigation is “in a very preliminary stage”.
At the LNJP Hospital, where the casualties and those injured were brought in, there was a heavy security presence when Newslaundry visited the area. The area was cordoned off with restrictions on entry. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and top officers visited the spot.
Watch.
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