Red Fort blast ripples in Bihar, police fan out as state votes today

The advisory, issued the night before the second and final phase of voting in the Bihar Assembly election, noted that such incidents could have potential security implications ahead of Tuesday’s polling.

The circular instructed district police chiefs to conduct intensive checking across religious and tourist sites, crowded markets, administrative buildings, military cantonments, and all transportation hubs such as bus terminals, railway and metro stations. The directive also called for ensuring CCTV functionality and 24-hour monitoring, strengthening border and sensitive checkpoints, and maintaining close coordination among all security agencies.

Catch LIVE updates of the blast outside the Red Fort in Delhi

“All units must remain alert to suspicious persons, vehicles, or abandoned objects, and act immediately upon receiving intelligence inputs,” the letter said. It also emphasised social media monitoring, prompt refutation of rumours, and legal action against those spreading misinformation.

Another letter from the Bihar Police Headquarters Control Room, under the orders of the Additional Director General (Law and Order), reiterated the need for full alertness in view of the Red Fort blast.

The dispatch listed several vital installations for reinforced security, including Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, Hanuman Temple near Patna Junction, Guru Govind Sahib Gurdwara, Barh NTPC, Barauni Refinery, Indian Oil Terminal at Sipara, and airports in Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga. It further called for heightened protection around the Patna High Court, Secretariat, Raj Bhavan, residences of dignitaries, and religious institutions.

District authorities have been directed to increase patrolling and frisking exercises at all high-footfall areas such as malls, railway stations, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and bus stands, and to carry out comprehensive checks of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, expressed grief over the Delhi explosion, calling it “distressing and deeply painful.”

In a statement on X, he said, “Incidents like this in the national capital are alarming. I extend heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. National security is paramount — whether it was Pulwama or Pahalgam, we have always stood with the government. We urge the Centre to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and ensure the culprits are punished severely. How long must Indians live under the shadow of fear? Jai Hind!”

Police across Bihar remained on alert Monday night, with extensive checking operations and security reviews underway ahead of Tuesday’s voting.