The state of Haryana has been placed on 'High Alert' following a devastating car blast near Delhi's iconic Red Fort on Monday evening. The explosion resulted in the deaths of at least eight people and left several vehicles engulfed in flames. In the wake of this tragic incident in the national capital, Haryana's police and government administration have initiated extensive measures to bolster security across the state, with a particular focus on districts falling under the National Capital Region (NCR).
Devastating Car Blast Rocks Delhi
Delhi witnessed a horrific incident on Monday evening when a powerful explosion occurred in a car near the historic Red Fort, while the intensity of the blast was significant, causing several nearby vehicles to catch fire and burn. Initial reports confirmed that at least eight individuals lost their lives in this unfortunate event, creating an atmosphere of panic and concern throughout the region. This incident raises serious questions about security in Delhi and prompts neighboring states to enhance their vigilance.
Haryana Issues Immediate 'High Alert'
Immediately after the deadly blast in Delhi, the neighboring state of Haryana declared a 'High Alert' on Monday evening. This decision was prompted by Haryana's geographical proximity to Delhi and the potential security threats that could arise, while special vigilance is being maintained in all districts of Haryana that are part of the National Capital Region (NCR), such as Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, and Jhajjar. Security agencies in these districts have been instructed to exercise extra caution to prevent any untoward incidents.
Extensive Security Measures Implemented
Haryana's Director General of Police (DGP) O P Singh, in a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter), informed the public about the high alert issued across Haryana in light of the Delhi incident. He appealed to the public to maintain peace and not to pay heed to any rumors. The DGP also urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious persons or unattended items to the emergency helpline '112'. He assured that all police officers are fully deployed in their respective areas and are closely monitoring the situation. DGP O P Singh elaborated on the comprehensive security measures being implemented across the state. Intensive checking of vehicles is being conducted at interstate borders to prevent the movement of any suspicious individuals or activities. Plus, public transport facilities, such as bus stands and railway stations, parking areas, hotels, and dharamshalas, are also undergoing thorough inspections, while these locations typically experience high footfall, making enhanced vigilance essential.
Heightened Vigilance in NCR and Border Districts
An official statement from the Haryana government indicated that directives have been issued to all District Magistrates to maintain special vigilance in districts bordering Delhi, while security arrangements in these areas have been further strengthened to effectively counter any potential threats stemming from their proximity to the capital. Special caution is also being exercised at crowded public places, markets, shopping malls, and historical sites across the state, where large numbers of people gather.
Appeal to Disregard Rumors
Security agencies and the government have appealed to the public to disregard any rumors and to rely solely on information from official sources. Rumors often create fear and confusion, which can exacerbate an already tense situation. Delhi has also been placed on high alert following the blast, and police agencies from both states are working in close coordination to keep the situation under control and maintain peace and order.
Major Explosives Recovery in Faridabad
This blast occurred just hours after approximately 360 kilograms of suspected ammonium nitrate, along with a cache of weapons and ammunition, were recovered from the house of a Kashmiri doctor in Faridabad. This recovery is a significant concern for security agencies, especially in the context of the Delhi blast. Faridabad, a major city in Haryana, is adjacent to Delhi, which further amplifies the importance of this discovery.
Terror Module Busted, Arrests Made
Following a 15-day operation conducted prior to this incident, authorities had unearthed a white-collar terror module linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. The operation led to the arrest of eight individuals, including three doctors, one of whom was Dr. Muzammil Ghani from Kashmir. Officials reported that 2,900 kilograms of explosives were seized from this module, highlighting its dangerous capabilities. The terror network was spread across Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, indicating a wide-ranging operation. The occurrence of the Delhi blast even after these arrests and seizures presents a significant challenge for security agencies, necessitating intensified vigilance and investigation.