NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday instructed the officials to “hunt down each and every culprit” behind an i20 car blast near the Red Fort.“Chaired review meetings on the Delhi car blast with the senior officials. Instructed them to hunt down each and every culprit behind this incident. Everyone involved in this act will face the full wrath of our agencies,” Amit Shah posted on X.At least 12 people were killed and 30 others injured after a high-intensity blast in the car on Monday evening.
The powerful blast also set at least three other vehicles moving alongside ablaze. The impact of the blast was such that human body parts along with parts of vehicles were found flung across a 20-25-metre radius.Massive flames and thick smoke engulfed the area before police and fire teams contained the situation. Apart from the occupants of the car, a Gurgaon number plate i20 hatchback, passersby were also killed in the explosion.ALSO READ | Lal Quila blast: With three occupants in Hyundai i20 car, does it rule out a fidayeen attack?Police commissioner Satish Golcha said it was around 6.52pm that a slow-moving vehicle stopped at the traffic signal. “An explosion happened in that vehicle, and due to it, nearby vehicles were also damaged. Some people died, and some were injured in the incident,” he said.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that those responsible for the Delhi car blast won’t be spared and will be brought to justice.PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Bhutan, said that he monitored the situation all night after the blast.“Today, I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrific incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone. I understand the grief of the affected families. The entire nation stands with them today,” he said.ALSO READ | Red Fort blast: Arrested UP woman doctor Shaheen Sayeed was tasked with setting up Jaish’s women wing; Pulwama link emergesThe Prime Minister added that he was in touch with all agencies investigating the incident.“I was in touch with all the agencies investigating this incident throughout last night. Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice,” he added.Defense minister Rajnath Singh also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the blast. He said that leading investigating agencies are conducting a “swift and thorough” inquiry into the explosion case. He assured that those responsible will not be spared.
Speaking at the Delhi Defense Dialogue, Singh said, “I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their lives in the tragic incident that occurred in Delhi yesterday. I pray to God to grant strength and courage to the bereaved families in this hour of deep grief.”“From this platform, I wish to assure that the country’s leading investigative agencies are conducting a swift and thorough inquiry into the incident. The findings of the investigation will soon be made public. I want to formally assure the nation that those responsible for this tragedy will be brought to justice and will not be spared under any circumstances,” he added.DELHI CAR BLAST NEAR RED FORT | Follow live updates here
