Red Fort Blast FIR: UAPA & Explosives Act Invoked, Delhi on High Alert

Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under stringent anti-terror laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, following a devastating blast near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort. The explosion, which occurred in a slow-moving car, has resulted in a significant number of casualties, with initial reports indicating at least 11 fatalities and 20 injuries. The national capital has been placed on high alert, with enhanced security measures implemented across critical locations such as airports, railway stations, and bus terminals. Law enforcement agencies are actively conducting searches at numerous sites as part of the ongoing investigation into this shocking incident. The FIR, filed at the Kotwali police station, specifically invokes Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA, provisions dealing with punishment and conspiracy related to terrorist acts. This legal framework underscores the seriousness with which the incident is being treated, suggesting a potential terrorist motive. Investigations are progressing rapidly, with authorities exploring all possible angles, including the possibility of a suicide bombing. Eyewitness accounts describe a deafening explosion that reverberated across a wide area, causing widespread panic and disbelief. The vehicle involved, a Hyundai i20, reportedly had three occupants. The origin and ownership trail of the car are also a key focus of the probe, with police tracing its past owners across different cities. The blast caused extensive damage, with graphic images emerging from the scene depicting the severe impact of the explosion. Fire services responded swiftly to control the blaze, and the area has been cordoned off for forensic examination. Sources suggest the use of explosives like ammonia nitrate, fuel oil, and detonators, further intensifying the investigation into the technical aspects of the blast.