Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to bring the “conspirators” behind a deadly car blast in Delhi to justice, a day after the explosion near the historic Red Fort killed at least eight people and injured 20 others. Authorities are investigating the incident as a suspected act of terrorism.
The blast, which occurred at 6:52 p.m. on Monday, involved a slow-moving Hyundai i20 that stopped at a busy traffic signal before exploding, causing widespread damage to nearby objects and injuring passersby.
The incident marks the first major explosion in the heart of Delhi since 2011, making it a rare and alarming event in the capital.
Speaking at a public meeting shortly after leaving for a scheduled visit to Bhutan on Tuesday, Modi said, “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.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the cause of the blast remains unclear and confirmed that top investigative agencies are probing the incident, with findings to be made public soon.
In response to the attack, authorities have cordoned off the area surrounding the 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort, closing it for three days while roads and nearby vicinities are combed for evidence.
Victims were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital, which has also been secured for safety as anxious family members waited for updates.
Delhi police have registered a case under India’s stringent anti-terrorism laws and other relevant provisions, Deputy Commissioner of Police Raja Banthia said, underscoring the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident.
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