Daijiworld Media Network - Washington/New Delhi

Washington/New Delhi, Nov 10: The US State Department has expressed concern over the explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, stating that it is “closely monitoring the situation” and is prepared to provide consular assistance if needed.

A powerful blast ripped through cars parked near the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening, killing at least 10 people and injuring over a dozen. The incident has sparked panic across Delhi, particularly in Old Delhi, one of the city’s most crowded neighborhoods.

Immediately after the explosion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah to receive updates. The Home Minister also contacted Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha and Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka, while advising NIA DG Sadanand Vasant Date to send a team to the site.

Victims have been taken to LNJP Hospital, and authorities have issued a high alert for Delhi, Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the nature of the blast.

The incident comes shortly after Jammu and Kashmir Police uncovered an inter-state terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH) in Faridabad, Haryana, near Delhi. Police seized 2,900 kg of explosives, firearms, timers, and other materials, arresting seven suspects.

The Red Fort blast occurs just a day before the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, raising concerns about potential terror threats and prompting intensified security measures.

The US statement underscored that Washington “stands ready to provide consular assistance” to Americans in India, while closely observing developments in the national capital.