The chaos and panic that followed the powerful explosion near Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening made it almost impossible for families to locate their loved ones. At least 12 people were killed and several others injured after a Hyundai i20 car exploded near Gate No. 1 of Lal Qila Metro Station, shattering windows and setting nearby vehicles ablaze.
In the aftermath, grieving families clung to small, heartbreaking details like tattoos, T-shirts, and jewellery to recognise the bodies of their loved ones amid the wreckage.
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As per a report of the Hindustan Times, one of the victims, Amar Kataria, a 34-year-old pharmaceutical businessman from Chandni Chowk, was identified through the tattoos on his arms. His ink read “Mom my first love” and “Dad my strength”, the only visible markers left after the blast. Kataria’s father told ANI that his son had left his Bhagirath Palace shop minutes before the explosion. “We identified him by his tattoos, a ring chain, and earring,” he said. Kataria leaves behind a wife and a three-year-old child.
Another victim, Jumman, who lived in Shastri Park and was the sole breadwinner of his family, was recognised through his torn T-shirt after a 20-hour search by relatives. “His legs were missing. His body was badly damaged. We identified him through his T-shirt,” his uncle, Mohammad Idris, told Hindustan Times. Jumman is survived by his disabled wife and children.
Investigation underway
According to officials, the explosion occurred around 6:55 pm, close to the Subhash Marg traffic signal near Red Fort. The impact was so strong it was heard across nearby localities and damaged several vehicles parked metres away.
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The Delhi Police have registered a case under Sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act, and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Kotwali Police Station. Multiple agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and forensic teams, have joined the probe to determine the cause and motive behind the blast.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said all possible angles were being investigated. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
