Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the deaths of 13 people in the powerful explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort Metro Station and wished a speedy recovery for the 24 people who were injured.

In a message posted on X, the Prime Minister said that local authorities were extending all possible support to those affected. “Reviewed the situation with Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and other senior officials,” he wrote.

Officials confirmed that Home Minister Amit Shah has been receiving continuous updates from the Delhi Police Commissioner as well as the heads of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau. Mr Shah later briefed the Prime Minister on the developments.

The blast struck a Hyundai i20 that had stopped near the Red Fort area around 6:52 pm, sending debris across the busy stretch and leaving several vehicles damaged. The explosion, described as high-intensity, resulted in extensive destruction and panic in the vicinity.

Teams from the NIA and the National Security Guard (NSG) have taken charge of the probe, while multiple states — including Bihar, Punjab, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand — have been placed on heightened alert.

The incident occurred on the same day investigators in Faridabad, just 50 km from the capital, discovered nearly 2,900 kg of explosive material during a major raid.

Home Minister Amit Shah said that specialised units reached the blast site within minutes. “Within ten minutes, teams from the Crime Branch and Special Branch arrived. NSG, NIA, and forensic experts are now conducting a detailed investigation. All nearby CCTV footage is being examined,” he said.

Mr Shah added that all angles were being scrutinised and promised a transparent and thorough inquiry. He also confirmed that he would personally visit the site and later meet the injured at the hospital.