Security tightened at Parliament, central offices after Red Fort car explosion

Police said that the explosion occurred inside a car (identified as Hyundai i20) near the Gate no. 1 of the Red Fort metro station near 7pm

Security has been beefed up at the Parliament House in New Delhi on November 11, and at central government offices adjacent to it following a blast near Delhi's Red Fort area that shocked the nation, according to sources privy to the matter.

"More security forces are present at all the traffic circles around the Parliament Building, and two more crossings," an official told Moneycontrol, adding that key government offices such as North Block, South Block, Krishi Bhawan, Shram Shakti Bhawan and others are also seeing an increase in security cover.

"Although, there is no restriction on movement for government officers as of now,” the second person said.

At least eight people were killed and several injured after a slow-moving car exploded near the landmark Red Fort in the national capital, earlier today, triggering panic across the city.

Police said that the explosion occurred inside a car (identified as Hyundai i20) near the Gate no. 1 of the Red Fort metro station near 7pm. The car had more than one occupant inside. One suspect has been taken into custody, according to sources.

In his address, Home Minister Amit Shah said that within 10 minutes of the blast, Delhi crime branch, other agencies started an investigation. CCTV cameras in nearby areas were ordered to be summoned.

“Delhi’s Commissioner of Police and special branch in charge are present at the spot. We are reviewing all the angles and a deep investigation will be carried. We will keep it in front of the people. I will soon go to the blast spot for inspection,” Shah said.

Sources told CNN-News18 that it may have been an IED explosion, with the terror angle not ruled out yet.