2025 New Delhi Vehicle Explosion

New Delhi Vehicle Explosion was an explosion that occurred on 11 November 2025 near the Red Fort in New Delhi, the capital of India, when a vehicle stopped at a red light detonated. Thirteen people lost their lives and more than twenty were injured in the incident. Delhi Police have launched an investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Location and Course of the Explosion

The explosion occurred at approximately 18:52 local time on 10 November 2025, when a white Hyundai i20 vehicle stopped at a red light near the entrance to Lal Qila metro station detonated. The area is adjacent to Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s busiest markets, and the historic Red Fort. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha stated that the vehicle exploded while stationary and that fires broke out in surrounding vehicles. Many vehicles were rendered unusable after catching fire following the blast.

The Red Fort was built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has served as a national symbol since 15 August 1947, when India’s independence was declared, and hosts annual independence day ceremonies.

New Delhi after the explosion, 11 November 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

Casualties and Injured

At least thirteen people died as a result of the explosion. According to sources from the Hindustan Times and Press Trust of India, twenty-one people were injured. One of the injured, Avdhesh Mandal, drove himself to hospital despite a metal fragment embedded in his abdomen.

Among the identified victims are Lokesh Agarwal, a fertilizer trader from Amroha, and his friend Ashok. The deceased also included e-rickshaw drivers, local shopkeepers, and tourists.

Police have identified Dr. Umar Un Nabi, a native of Pulwama, as the driver of the Hyundai i20 involved in the explosion. DNA samples taken from human remains found at the scene were matched with samples provided by Dr. Nabi’s mother and brother, who were brought from Pulwama to Delhi for testing.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Delhi Police have initiated investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). DCP North Raja Banthia stated, “A First Information Report (FIR) has been filed; the investigation is still in its early stages.”

Police have linked the explosion to a terror cell in Faridabad. Hours before the incident, a large quantity of explosives was seized in Faridabad, a city in the state of Haryana, and two Kashmiri doctors were arrested on suspicion of links to the Jaish-e-Mohammed organization.

Initial findings indicate that the vehicle changed hands multiple times. Registered in Gurugram in 2014, the vehicle had been sold to several different individuals in recent weeks. The presence of human remains inside the vehicle has raised the possibility that the attack was a suicide bombing.

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reported the detection of traces of ammonium nitrate, diesel fuel, and detonators in samples collected from the scene and confirmed that forensic examinations are ongoing.

Security Measures and Government Responses

Following the explosion, a high-level security alert was issued across India. Intensive security checks were implemented at railway stations, airports, metro lines, and places of worship. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) closed the Lal Qila station on security grounds. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) closed the Red Fort to visitors for three days.

Many states raised their alert levels after the incident. Security was heightened in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Kerala; border crossings, religious sites, and crowded areas came under strict surveillance.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah, held a high-level security meeting at his residence following the incident. The meeting was attended by the Director of the Intelligence Bureau, the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), and the Director of Delhi Police. The Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, stated that “the findings of the investigation will be shared with the public shortly.”

Political and International Reactions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to Bhutan, said that the incident had deeply saddened everyone and that those responsible would be brought to justice and face punishment.

The incident also drew international reactions. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President of Sri Lanka, the European Union, and the Ambassadors of Egypt sent messages of condolences and solidarity to India.

Following the explosion, government institutions and the media issued warnings against false information and images circulating on social media. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India denied claims that the incident was caused by a gas leak and stated that the investigation was examining all possible causes.

The area around the Red Fort has been fully cordoned off, and the National Security Guard (NSG) and forensic teams continue their investigations at the site.