Families shattered after a sudden explosion near the Red Fort; investigations by Delhi Police and NIA are underway
A deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on the evening of November 11 killed at least eight people and injured more than 20. Many of the dead were ordinary workers — men who had gone out to earn a living when the explosion struck. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over parts of the probe.
The Incident
According to eyewitnesses, the blast occurred suddenly, causing chaos and panic across the area. Many victims were daily wage earners, vendors, and local workers who were out to make a living when their lives were abruptly cut short.
Emergency services, including the Delhi Fire Department, police, and National Investigation Agency (NIA), rushed to the spot immediately. The injured were quickly taken to nearby hospitals, where some remain in critical condition.
The victims (identified so far)
The leading news channels reports that several of the deceased have been identified by family members and hospital officials. The article lists the following victims and brief details about them:
- Pankaj Saini (22) — A cab driver from Bihar. He had just dropped off a passenger near Chandni Chowk when the blast occurred. He was the sole earner for his family.
- Ashok Kumar — A Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) conductor from Amroha. He was the only earning member of a family of eight and also worked night shifts as a security guard to supplement income. He had gone to meet a relative, Lokesh Kumar Gupta, when the blast hit.
- Lokesh Kumar Gupta — Named by relatives as someone who was due to meet Ashok Kumar at Chandni Chowk; relatives reported leaving Sir Ganga Ram Hospital together before the blast. (Mentioned in family accounts.)
- Noman (22) — From Shamli (Uttar Pradesh). He had gone to buy supplies for his cosmetic shop in Chandni Chowk and died on the spot; a cousin, Aman, was injured.
- Amar Kataria (34) — Owner of a medicine shop near Bhagirath Palace; he was returning home when the explosion struck. His distraught father was seen outside the hospital.
- Dinesh Kumar Mishra — From Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh). He sold invitation cards, lived in Delhi, and is said to be a father of three; family members reported he did not answer calls after the blast and was later confirmed among the dead.
Six bodies had been identified at the time of reporting and that several bodies were severely mutilated, making identification difficult. Relatives and hospital staff were still trying to confirm other identities.
Investigation Underway
Delhi Police officials have cordoned off the entire stretch around the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk area. Forensic experts are collecting samples to determine the nature of the explosive used in the blast.
An NIA team has also joined the investigation, suspecting possible terror links or improvised explosive device (IED) involvement.
Grief and Anger Among Families
Heartbroken families of the victims gathered outside hospitals and police stations, seeking answers and demanding justice.
“They were only working to feed their families,” said one relative, holding back tears. “Now we don’t even know why this happened.”
Officials’ Statement
A senior Delhi Police officer said, “We are treating this as a high-priority case. The investigation will reveal the source and motive soon.”
Security has been tightened across central Delhi following the explosion.
Nation in Shock
The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and anger on social media. Citizens and public figures alike expressed condolences to the families affected.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a grim reminder of how suddenly life can change for those simply trying to make a living.
Related News : Car Explosion Near Red Fort in Delhi: At Least Eight Killed, Vehicles Engulfed in Flames
