‘I was shell shocked’: deadly New Delhi car blast triggers terrorism probe

Indian police are investigating a car explosion in New Delhi under a stringent law used to fight “terrorism”, as a pall of gloom filled a hospital in the capital, where exasperated families waited for news of their loved ones after the blast near the landmark Red Fort killed at least nine people.

The law, called the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, is India’s main anti-terrorism law. It is used to investigate and prosecute acts related to “terrorism” and activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

The blast occurred on Monday evening close to a metro station in Old Delhi, leaving mangled bodies and wrecked cars scattered in the busy area.

“The blast took place in a slow-moving vehicle that came to a halt at the Red Fort traffic signal,” Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha told reporters.

Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the site, said “we are exploring all possibilities and will conduct a thorough investigation, taking all possibilities into account”.