Red Fort Blast: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Announces ₹10 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Victims’ Kin
In a swift response to the tragic explosion at Delhi’s historic Red Fort earlier today, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced substantial financial aid for the victims and their families. The blast, which occurred near the Lahori Gate during peak visiting hours, has left 3 dead and over 12 injured, sending shockwaves across the capital. CM Gupta declared an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹2 lakh for those injured, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting affected families during this crisis.
The Incident: Chaos at a Historic Landmark
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a deafening blast around 11:30 AM, triggering panic among tourists and vendors near the 17th-century monument. The area was swiftly cordoned off by Delhi Police and National Security Guard (NSG) teams, with forensic experts collecting evidence to determine the nature of the explosion. Preliminary reports suggest an improvised explosive device (IED) may have been used, though investigations are ongoing.
“The attack on a symbol of our nation’s heritage is an attack on every Indian. We will not tolerate such cowardly acts,” said CM Gupta in a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat. She confirmed that the injured are being treated at Lok Nayak Hospital and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, with critical patients under close observation.
Political and Security Fallout
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of the Prime Minister’s annual Independence Day address, is one of the most heavily guarded monuments in India. The breach has raised serious questions about security preparedness, with opposition leaders demanding accountability. BJP spokesperson Sanjay Verma criticized the Delhi government, calling the blast “a failure of intelligence and surveillance.”
However, Home Minister Amit Shah chaired an emergency meeting with top officials, assuring citizens that “all angles are being probed, including terrorist links.” Sources indicate that CCTV footage from nearby markets is being scrutinized, and several suspects have been detained for questioning.
Compensation and Relief Efforts
CM Gupta’s announcement of ex-gratia payments aligns with Delhi’s existing disaster response policies but marks a significant escalation in aid compared to past incidents. The ₹10 lakh compensation for families of the deceased is among the highest offered by a state government in recent years. Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has set up a 24-hour helpline (011-23456789) for affected families to access medical and legal support.
“The financial assistance is just the first step. We will ensure free medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured,” said Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj. Social workers and trauma counselors have also been deployed to assist grieving families.
Public Outcry and Calls for Vigilance
As news of the blast spread, #RedFortAttack trended on social media, with citizens expressing outrage and solidarity. Many called for stricter security at public spaces, while others urged unity against divisive forces. The Delhi Police have urged locals to report suspicious activity, releasing sketches of two persons of interest based on eyewitness accounts. Security has been heightened at airports, metro stations, and other landmarks nationwide.
Looking Ahead: A Nation on Edge
The Red Fort blast comes amid heightened tensions following recent intelligence warnings about potential threats ahead of Republic Day. CM Gupta emphasized, “We stand with the victims. Justice will be served, and the perpetrators held accountable.”
Stay tuned for real-time updates.
