Red Fort blast: Death toll rises to 12; Delhi Police steps up vigilance at key areas

NEW DELHI: The death toll in the blast near Red Fort rose to 12, with three more people succumbing to injuries, police said on Tuesday. A powerful explosion tore through a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening.

Officials confirmed that nine people had died in the blast initially, with several others injured. Police later reported that three more victims succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to 12.

On Tuesday, Delhi Police registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act in connection with the deadly blast. Raids are underway at multiple locations across the city, while the national capital remains on high alert, with strict security measures in place at airports, railway stations, and bus terminals.Initial Probe Suggests Possible 'Fidayeen' AttackDelhi Police's initial investigation indicates that the high-intensity explosion near the Red Fort complex may have been a fidayeen (suicide) attack, sources said on Tuesday.Early findings suggest that the suspect intended to carry out an explosion and, upon learning that a Faridabad module had been busted, reportedly shifted to planning a fidayeen-style operation—apparently to maximize casualties and evade capture by police, the sources added.Investigators are also probing whether the actual target might have been elsewhere, as the car was moving slowly. All possible angles, including alternate targets, are being examined.(With agency inputs)