Delhi Red Fort Blast: Car Explosion Near Historic Site Signals Possible Conspiracy

What happened, what we know so far & why this matters

On the evening of 10 November 2025, a high-intensity explosion ripped through a car parked at a traffic signal near Gate No.1 of the Red Fort Metro station in Old Delhi.
The blast took place at about 6:52 pm IST in a white Hyundai i20, killing at least nine people and injuring more than 20. Authorities have since invoked India’s key anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), signalling that investigators believe the incident may have been a deliberate act rather than an accident.

The Incident in Detail

• According to initial police statements, the car exploded in a busy traffic signal zone near the Red Fort Metro station, a heavily congested and sensitive area.

• CCTV footage reveals the Hyundai i20 entered a parking zone, remained for several hours, and then exploded, raising suspicion about a pre-planted device or planned attack.

• The blast caused fire damage to multiple nearby vehicles, shattered glass in the vicinity, and sent shockwaves through the zone.

• Officials are looking into all angles: terrorism, sabotage, or criminal conspiracy. Home Minister Amit Shah stated “we are not ruling out anything.”

Why It Looks Like a Conspiracy

1. Invocation of UAPA: The fact that the UAPA has been invoked signals that investigators believe this was more than a traffic accident. Charges under Sections 16 and 18 (which deal with terror conspiracy) have been registered.

2. Pre-planning indicators: The parked car was in place for some time before the explosion, suggesting forethought.

3. Sensitive location: The blast occurred near a major national monument and metro station—both crowded and high-visibility. A site like the Red Fort is symbolic and heavily secured.

4. Context of other seizures: The explosion comes on the back of large explosives seizures in Haryana’s Faridabad (around 2,900 kg recovered). Investigators believe there may be links between that module and this blast.

5. Political leadership statements: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “the conspirators will not be spared.” The use of the word “conspiracy” itself underscores that this is being treated as a deliberate plot.

Impact & Broader Implications

• Security alert across India: In the wake of the blast, cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, Mumbai and key installations nationwide heightened their alert levels.

• Economic effect: The blast struck the Old Delhi / Chandni Chowk area—which sees hundreds of thousands of footfalls daily and is Asia’s major wholesale market. Fears of reduced foot traffic and disruption to trade are already emerging.

• Public confidence shaken: When an explosive event hits a symbolic site like the Red Fort in the capital, it sends ripple effects of fear and demands for accountability.

• Misinformation risk: As with any major event, rumours, fake visuals (old explosions, unrelated incidents) and speculation spread rapidly on social media. Vigilance is required. (See Wikipedia summary) Wikipedia

What Investigators Are Looking At

• Tracing the vehicle’s purchase, route, parking, occupancy before the blast.

• Forensic analysis of explosive residue, device fragments, and blast pattern.

• Intelligence linkages: Are the same modules involved in the Faridabad seizure connected? Are there foreign or domestic terror modules at play?

• CCTV and toll-plaza logs: Captured path of the vehicle and timing.

• Motive: Was the blast timed for high casualty, or symbolic impact? Was the target the Red Fort area intentionally?

• Arrests and detentions: Potential suspects are being identified; some reports point to an i20 car registered to a Pulwama region individual. The Economic Times+1

What You Should Know (As A Citizen)

• Stay alert: Avoid rumours, confirm with official sources.

• Follow instructions from authorities: Metro stations, heritage sites, and transport hubs may see restrictions.

• Understand that investigations take time: Immediate cause may not be declared. Patience is needed.

• Support victims & families: The human cost is real—respond with care and empathy.

• Be cautious on social media: Not every graphic or “breaking news” is verified.

Final Thoughts

The car blast near the Red Fort is more than just a tragic incident—it potentially marks a shift in the threat landscape in India’s capital. Whether the final conclusion attributes it to terror, sabotage or other conspiracy, what is clear is that it demands strong investigative response, public vigilance, and institutional accountability.

As the probe continues, one thing remains certain: the conspirators behind this will not be spared, and the nation watches closely as security agencies race to bring clarity and justice.