At least 13 people have been killed and 20 injured in a car blast that took place on Monday night close to the Red Fort in India’s capital, New Delhi.

Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the explosion occurred shortly before 7 pm local time (13:30 GMT), believed to have originated from a Hyundai i20 that was stopped at a traffic signal.

The blast caused widespread destruction, leaving mangled bodies and wrecked vehicles scattered across the scene. Police and investigators cordoned off the area to facilitate investigations and control the gathering crowds.

An eyewitness Dharmendra, traveling in the vicinity reported passing the site when the explosion occurred. The witness described seeing four burned bodies inside a white Maruti car, with outside victims including two dead and one injured.

There is some confusion regarding the vehicle details; the witness initially identified the car as a Suzuki Maruti, while authorities and pro-government media claim it was a Hyundai i20.

Additionally, the car’s owner’s name has been reported differently the witness states it was Mohammad Nadeem from Haryana, whereas authorities refer to him as Salman, and some media outlets call him Tariq.

Preliminary reports suggest that four to five individuals inside the vehicle may have died in the blast, raising questions about the nature of the attack. Some critics have pointed out that a significant portion of the fatalities appeared to be the alleged perpetrators, leading to debates about the incident’s true nature and motives.

In the wake of the explosion, Indian authorities have invoked the “anti-terror” law, indicating that they suspect a terrorist angle behind the attack. Home Minister Amit Shah condemned the incident and assured that investigators are working diligently to uncover the facts.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and concern across the nation. Political leaders and citizens alike are demanding transparency and swift justice. Critics have questioned the official narrative, suggesting that information may be being manipulated for political reasons.

Authorities continue to investigate the blast, examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to determine the perpetrators and their motives. The incident marks a grim reminder of the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.