Red Fort blast: Delhi-NCR schools and colleges remain open amid high alert

The blast, which occurred at approximately 6.52 pm on Monday on Netaji Subhash Marg, originated from a Hyundai i20 car near the Lal Qila metro station. (Image credit: X)

Educational institutions across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) remained open and functioned normally on Tuesday, a day after a powerful explosion near the Red Fort killed at least nine people and injured several others.

Despite the heightened state of alert across the city, no directive to close schools or colleges was issued by the Delhi government, according to HT. This decision comes as security measures are intensified at key installations and borders, with life in the capital attempting to resume its daily rhythm. The Chandni Chowk market, located in close proximity to the blast site, also remained open for business.

The blast, which occurred at approximately 6.52 pm on Monday on Netaji Subhash Marg, originated from a Hyundai i20 car near the Lal Qila metro station. The explosion was so severe that it damaged several other vehicles, which subsequently caught fire, prompting a massive emergency and investigative response.

The investigative machinery moved swiftly, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirming that top agencies were leading the probe. “My prayers for their quick recovery. Top agencies are investigating the incident with full intensity and will go in-depth into the incident,” Shah stated in a post on X.

Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha provided initial details, noting that the explosion took place in a “slow-moving vehicle” that had stopped at a red light. The area was immediately cordoned off for forensic examination.

The legal framework of the investigation has been established under stringent anti-terror laws. The Delhi Police has filed an FIR invoking sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) pertaining to terrorist acts, alongside the Explosive Substances Act.

A significant lead has emerged regarding the vehicle used in the blast. According to HT, Gurugram police spokesperson Sandeep Kumar said that two individuals are being questioned to trace the chain of ownership of the Hyundai i20.

The car was originally registered to a Gurugram resident, Salman, who sold it to a man from Okhla named Devender about eighteen months ago. Both men are now in custody for questioning.

The incident has triggered a nationwide security alert. States including Bihar — which is mid-way through its voting phases — Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and others have bolstered security arrangements in their major cities.