November 12, 2025
New Delhi, India – The nation remains on high alert following a heinous car explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort on November 10, 2025. This tragic incident, which claimed at least nine lives and left over 20 injured, has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting immediate and decisive action from the Indian government. Today, November 12, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an urgent Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting, officially declaring the explosion a “heinous terror incident” and reiterating India’s unwavering “zero tolerance” policy towards terrorism. As citizens grapple with the aftermath, the focus intensifies on national security and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The November 10 Red Fort Blast: A Day of Tragedy in Old Delhi
The serene evening of Monday, November 10, 2025, was shattered at approximately 6:52 PM IST when a white Hyundai i20 car exploded near Gate No. 1 of the Lal Quila (Red Fort) Metro Station. This area, a bustling hub known for its vibrant bazaars and narrow alleyways in Old Delhi, quickly turned into a scene of chaos and devastation. Eyewitnesses reported a thunderous blast, followed by flames and thick smoke billowing into the sky. The impact was immense; windowpanes of nearby buildings shattered, and multiple vehicles—including six cars, two e-rickshaws, and an auto-rickshaw—were incinerated. The Red Fort blast casualties were rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital, with many sustaining severe injuries ranging from multiple fractures to ruptured internal organs, indicative of the blast’s sheer force.
Government’s Resolute Response: CCS Declares Terror Incident
In the wake of the devastating attack, the Indian government responded with speed and gravity. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, returning from an official visit to Bhutan, drove directly to Lok Nayak Hospital to meet with the injured, offering solace and assuring them of swift justice. Later in the day, the Prime Minister convened the critical Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting at his residence. Key figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, were in attendance, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
During the CCS meeting, the incident was unequivocally declared a “heinous terror incident.” The Union Cabinet also passed a resolution condemning the “dastardly and cowardly act,” observing a two-minute silence for the victims. This strong condemnation signals India’s “unwavering commitment to a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.” The Cabinet has directed a high-level, urgent, and professional investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors. This decisive government action reflects a unified resolve against those who seek to destabilize the nation.
The Investigation Unfolds: Tracing the Terror Module
The onus of unraveling this complex plot has fallen upon India’s premier investigative agencies. The Delhi Police immediately invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, with the case swiftly handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the nation’s counter-terror force. The NIA has mobilized a dedicated team of senior officers to conduct a comprehensive probe.
Preliminary police findings suggest the blast may have been a possible suicide attack, and CCTV footage reportedly captured a masked man driving the Hyundai i20 before the explosion. Investigators suspect the car was laden with ammonium nitrate, a common explosive component in terror plots. Current leads point towards links with a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) module, a well-known terror outfit. Dr. Umar Mohammed, an assistant professor from Pulwama, is allegedly linked to the car’s ownership and possibly its driving. DNA samples have been collected from his mother. Another individual, Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, is also under scrutiny for conducting reconnaissance of the Red Fort area earlier this year. The discovery of a red Ford EcoSport car registered to Dr. Umar Un Nabi in Faridabad adds another layer to this intricate NIA investigation. These developments highlight the relentless pursuit to dismantle the terror module responsible.
Heightened Security and International Impact
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, a high alert was sounded not just in Delhi, but across several Indian states, including Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. Security around transport hubs, markets, and government buildings has been intensified, with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) placing all its installations, including the Delhi Metro and Indira Gandhi International Airport, on high alert.
The Lal Quila Metro Station and the bustling Chandni Chowk market remained closed as precautionary measures, causing significant disruption but underscoring the priority placed on public safety. International concern was also swift; the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a security alert, advising American citizens to avoid the areas surrounding the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. This travel advisory reflects the global implications of such an incident and the shared commitment to combating global terrorism. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant need for vigilance and robust measures to protect critical infrastructure and public spaces.
India’s Resolve Against Terror Remains Unshaken
The car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort is a grave reminder of the persistent threats posed by extremist elements. However, the swift and resolute response from the Indian government, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Cabinet Committee on Security, sends an unequivocal message: India will not be cowed by such acts. The declaration of the incident as a “heinous terror incident” and the directive for an urgent, professional investigation underscore the nation’s firm stance. As the NIA investigation progresses, the focus remains on bringing justice to the victims and their families and ensuring that those responsible, along with their sponsors, face the full force of the law. India’s commitment to anti-terrorism efforts remains unyielding, a testament to its resilience in the face of adversity.