The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has officially taken over the probe into the deadly blast near Red Fort Metro Station that shook the capital on Monday evening, claiming at least eight lives and leaving dozens injured. The decision came after the Union Home Ministry transferred the case to the NIA on Tuesday, signaling the government’s intent to conduct a high-level investigation into what officials suspect may have been a planned terror strike.
The explosion occurred in a Haryana-registered car parked near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, one of the busiest areas in Old Delhi. The force of the blast was such that nearby vehicles were damaged, and panic spread through the densely crowded area as commuters and bystanders fled the scene. Initial investigations by the Delhi Police hinted at the use of high-intensity explosives, though forensic confirmation is still awaited.
Home Minister Amit Shah chaired an emergency review meeting at his residence on Tuesday morning, assessing the situation and ongoing multi-state searches related to the blast. Stressing the government’s commitment to justice, he directed the NIA, Intelligence Bureau, and Delhi Police Special Cell to coordinate closely and “leave no stone unturned” in unearthing the conspiracy.
The meeting was attended by top officials including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Kumar Deka, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, and NIA Director General Sadanand Vasant Date. The Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Nalin Prabhat, joined the deliberations virtually, underscoring the possible inter-state and cross-border dimensions of the case.
In response to the incident, a special team of over 500 officers has been deployed to assist in the investigation, while security has been intensified across the Delhi-NCR region. National Security Guard (NSG) commandos have been stationed at critical public locations, including major transportation hubs and crowded marketplaces.
Investigators are examining more than 1,000 CCTV footage clips from cameras in and around the Red Fort area. Preliminary analysis suggests the explosion may have been the result of a suicide attack aimed at causing large-scale damage. Authorities are also scanning digital footprints, including social media activity and call data records. Police sources revealed that dump data from all mobile phones active near the blast site is being analyzed to identify possible suspects or communication links to the incident.
High alert has been issued across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Mumbai, with particular attention to public gatherings, religious places, and tourist attractions. Security agencies have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance and to ensure rapid response capability in the event of any related threat.
The NIA’s involvement marks a significant escalation in the investigation. Known for handling complex terror-related cases, the agency is expected to focus on tracing the origins of the explosives, potential funding sources, and any links to organized extremist networks. The transfer of the case also reflects growing concern within security circles that the blast could be part of a larger pattern of coordinated attempts to disrupt peace in high-profile urban centers.
As forensic teams continue to collect material evidence from the site and witness testimonies are compiled, the investigation is expected to span multiple states. Authorities have assured the public that every lead will be pursued. For now, Delhi remains under tight security watch, with both police and intelligence agencies maintaining round-the-clock surveillance to prevent any further incidents.
The Red Fort blast, coming at a time of heightened security ahead of several public events, has once again placed the focus on urban vulnerability and counter-terror preparedness. With the NIA now in charge, the case is likely to become a test of both investigative precision and the state’s resolve to ensure accountability behind one of the most serious security breaches in recent years.
