A powerful explosion rocked the area near the Red Fort Metro Station in India’s capital, New Delhi, on Monday, leaving at least nine people killed and 24 others injured, according to Indian media reports.

The media reported that the blast took place at 6:55pm local time and triggered a fire that spread to vehicles parked near the station in the densely populated old city area. Authorities confirmed that the fire at the metro station caused by the blast has now been brought under control.

According to Indian media reports, nine bodies have been recovered and 12 injured persons have been shifted to nearby hospitals following the explosion in the Indian capital. The condition of three injured individuals is reported to be critical, raising fears that the death toll may rise.

The explosion occurred in a vehicle parked near the metro station, police officials said. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang followed by flames and thick smoke rising from the scene.

Visuals broadcast on local news channels showed multiple vehicles engulfed in fire, with firefighting units and police teams rushing to the site to bring the situation under control.

The owner of the car involved in the explosion has been arrested, broadcaster NDTV reported.

According to NDTV, fire tenders and emergency responders were deployed immediately after the explosion, as authorities worked to prevent further damage in the congested area.

Casualties and rescue efforts

Indian media reported that 13 people were killed in the explosion, while 30 others sustained injuries. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Police have cordoned off the area and begun an initial investigation to determine the cause of the blast. Police have reportedly recovered explosive materials from different areas of New Delhi, the media claimed.

The Red Fort is one of India’s most iconic landmarks — a 17th-century Mughal-era fortress located in the old city of Delhi. The area remains a major tourist destination, often bustling with visitors and commuters due to the nearby metro line.

Authorities are maintaining heightened security in and around the Red Fort precinct as the investigation continues. Security in the Indian capital has been put on high alert after the blast.

Authorities on scene

Television footage showed Delhi Police personnel securing the site while firefighters doused the flames. The affected area, described by reporters as narrow and heavily congested, made rescue operations challenging.

As of Monday evening, forensic teams and bomb disposal units had also reached the location to collect evidence and assess the extent of the damage.

Eyewitnesses told reporters that the explosion was powerful enough to shake nearby shops and homes, sparking panic among residents and commuters.

Local authorities have urged citizens to avoid speculation and rely on official updates as the cause of the explosion is being investigated.

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow and concern over the tragic incident.

“The news of the Delhi blast is extremely painful and worrying,” Rahul Gandhi said in a statement. “It is heartbreaking to hear about the loss of so many innocent lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their loved ones.”

Anti-Pakistan campaign exposed

A fresh wave of anti-Pakistan propaganda has been launched by Indian media since early this morning, marking yet another instance of fabricated reporting and false flag operations aimed at maligning Pakistan.

According to sources, Indian media outlets have made a failed attempt to link local terrorists from Uttar Pradesh and Hyderabad with Pakistan, exposing what officials described as the moral and professional downfall of the Indian press.

Initial investigations revealed that the arrested individuals are Indian citizens, but despite this, Indian channels have continued to spread false and baseless accusations against Pakistan.

Since morning, Indian media has been relentlessly churning out contradictory stories, at times claiming a chemical attack and at others alleging the use of Pakistani weapons, without presenting any credible evidence.

Following the Red Fort explosion, Indian police initially identified the incident as a cylinder blast, but soon afterward, Indian media launched a coordinated campaign to portray it as a terror attack linked to Pakistan.

Within hours, the narrative shifted dramatically, and a barrage of baseless accusations was directed at Pakistan — a move observers say reflects the irresponsible and suspicious role of Indian media in shaping anti-Pakistan sentiment.

Dozens of fake stories and speculative reports have since been aired on Indian television, apparently designed to mislead viewers and divert attention from India’s growing internal crises.

Pakistan has consistently condemned terrorism in all its forms, while India’s continued pattern of false flag operations and media manipulation has once again been exposed before the international community.