Delhi on High Alert: Red Fort Blast Triggers Nationwide Security Sweep; NIA Takes Charge of Terror Probe

A devastating Red Fort Blast near Delhi’s historic Red Fort on the evening of November 10, 2025, has plunged the national capital and surrounding regions into a state of high alert. The explosion, which ripped through a Hyundai i20 car at a busy traffic signal, has claimed the lives of at least 13 people and left dozens injured, prompting an immediate and comprehensive national security response following this significant Red Fort blast.

The Devastating Red Fort Blast Incident

The high-intensity explosion occurred around 6:52 PM near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station on Subhash Marg. Initial reports and eyewitness accounts described a scene of chaos and destruction, with mangled bodies, severed body parts, and wrecked vehicles scattered across the area. The blast caused a significant fire, which quickly engulfed nearby cars and auto-rickshaws, underscoring the severity of the explosion. This incident, a rare occurrence in the typically heavily guarded capital, sent shockwaves across the country, prompting a serious Delhi terror attack investigation.

Heavy Toll and Immediate Aftermath of the Red Fort Blast

Tragically, at least 13 individuals lost their lives in the blast, with initial reports from local hospitals confirming fatalities before reaching medical facilities. Over 20 others sustained injuries, ranging from serious to minor, and were rushed to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention. The sheer scale of the casualties from the Red Fort blast has left Delhi reeling, with authorities quickly moving to support the victims’ families. The Delhi government announced ex-gratia compensation, with ₹10 lakh for the families of each deceased, ₹5 lakh for the permanently disabled, and ₹2 lakh for those with serious injuries following the car bomb explosion.

NIA Takes the Helm; Terror Probe Under Intense Scrutiny

In a swift move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced on November 11, 2025, that the investigation into the blast has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). This decision, coupled with the registration of a case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), indicates that the incident is being treated as a potential act of terror. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired multiple high-level security review meetings, emphasizing the need to “hunt down each and every culprit” and stating that all involved parties would face the “full wrath of our agencies.” The NIA is now leading the terror probe, working in coordination with Delhi Police and other intelligence agencies to unravel the conspiracy behind the Red Fort blast and identify the perpetrators.

Nationwide National Security Alert Enacted

Following the blast, a heightened security alert has been sounded across Delhi, the National Capital Region (NCR), and several other major cities and states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, and Kerala. Security has been significantly tightened at all major transit hubs. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi and Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru have beefed up security, issuing advisories to passengers to arrive well in advance due to potentially longer screening processes. Delhi Metro stations, particularly the Red Fort metro station, have been closed, and additional vigilance is being maintained at all railway stations and bus terminals. The historic Red Fort itself was closed to visitors for several days to allow for unimpeded investigation at the crime scene following the Red Fort Blast.

Government’s Response and Assurance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and was briefed on the situation by Home Minister Amit Shah. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured the nation that those responsible for the Red Fort blast would be brought to justice and “will not be spared under any circumstances.” The government’s decisive action, including the immediate transfer of the case to the NIA and continuous security reviews, reflects the gravity with which the incident is being treated. Investigations are actively pursuing leads, including the examination of CCTV footage and the forensic analysis of materials recovered from the blast site and other locations where explosives have been seized as part of the ongoing NIA investigation.

This recent national security incident underscores the persistent threat of terrorism and the robust measures being undertaken to maintain peace and security across the country. The ongoing investigation aims to bring all perpetrators to justice and prevent future occurrences of such heinous acts, including the Red Fort blast.