DELHI RED FORT BLAST LINKED TO VIRAL TERROR CLAIM ONLINE

A shocking explosion near Delhi’s iconic Red Fort on Monday evening has sparked fear and confusion across the country. Soon after the blast, social media platforms were flooded with posts and videos claiming that the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba had taken responsibility for the attack. However, authorities have clarified that no verified terror link has been found yet. The viral claim remains under investigation, and officials are urging citizens not to spread unverified information.

The Incident That Shook the Capital

The blast took place around 7:45 PM near the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort, one of India’s most visited heritage sites. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by smoke and panic among the crowd. Several vehicles in the vicinity were damaged, and minor injuries were reported among passersby. Delhi Police quickly cordoned off the area and began an extensive search operation. Bomb disposal squads and forensic teams were called to the site to examine the source of the explosion. Preliminary reports suggest that the blast might have originated from a low-intensity improvised explosive device, but officials have not ruled out other possibilities.

The Viral Terror Claim

Within hours of the blast, a post began circulating on several social media platforms claiming that Lashkar-e-Taiba had taken responsibility for the attack. The post featured a logo resembling that of the terror outfit and included statements celebrating the explosion as an act of “revenge.” It quickly went viral, shared thousands of times across different platforms, and amplified public fear. However, cybercrime experts and law enforcement agencies later said the authenticity of the claim was doubtful. The post appears to have originated from a newly created account with no verified links to any known extremist networks. Authorities have since requested social media companies to take down the content and assist in tracing its source.

Official Response and Investigation

Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora confirmed that the investigation was being handled jointly by the Special Cell and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). “We are not ruling out any angle at this stage,” he said. “The viral claim is under active scrutiny, but there is no confirmed terror link yet.” Security agencies are analyzing CCTV footage from the area, checking mobile network data, and scanning for digital traces linked to the viral post. Teams have also been deployed to gather eyewitness statements and technical evidence. Meanwhile, sniffer dogs and forensic experts are examining debris from the site to identify the explosive material used.

The Memory of Past Attacks

The Red Fort has been a target of terror attacks before. In December 2000, Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists carried out an attack that killed three people, including two security personnel. The memory of that incident remains fresh for many Delhi residents. This historical context has fueled public anxiety following Monday’s explosion, especially after the viral post claiming the same group’s involvement. However, experts caution against jumping to conclusions without evidence. They note that false claims often surface after major incidents to create panic and division.

The Role of Social Media in Spreading Fear

Social media has become both a tool for quick updates and a source of misinformation. In the Red Fort blast case, online platforms played a major role in spreading unverified claims. Within minutes, hashtags related to terrorism began trending, and fake videos showing past incidents were reshared as if they were from the current blast. Cybersecurity experts warn that such misinformation can interfere with ongoing investigations and mislead the public. Authorities are urging citizens to rely only on official statements from Delhi Police or the Ministry of Home Affairs. Several fake accounts have already been suspended, but the viral posts continue to circulate in private messaging groups.

Public Reaction and Fear

The explosion has left Delhi residents anxious and alert. Many expressed concern about visiting crowded places in the days following the incident. Shopkeepers near Red Fort reported a noticeable drop in visitors, while tourists were seen leaving the area early. Parents have urged schools in the vicinity to strengthen security measures. However, many Delhiites have also praised the swift response of police and emergency services. Local residents were seen offering help to those stranded during the lockdown of nearby roads. “It was scary, but the police were quick to reach and calm people,” said a street vendor who witnessed the blast.

Government’s Appeal for Calm

The Ministry of Home Affairs has appealed to the public to stay calm and patient while the investigation continues. In a brief statement, a spokesperson said that the government is monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with Delhi Police and national agencies. The ministry emphasized that spreading rumours or forwarding unverified messages could lead to unnecessary panic. The statement also mentioned that India’s intelligence network has been placed on high alert to ensure no related threats are overlooked.

Experts Call for Responsible Communication

Security analysts believe that the Red Fort incident highlights the urgent need for better digital literacy among social media users. Dr. R. K. Narang, a cybersecurity expert, explained that terrorist groups or mischief-makers often use fake posts to test how quickly misinformation spreads and how people react. “A single unverified post can trigger fear nationwide,” he said. “This is why fact-checking and responsible sharing are critical.” Experts also recommend that the government work more closely with tech companies to develop faster systems for identifying and blocking fake terror claims.

The Ongoing Search for Truth

As of now, investigators are focusing on three main angles: the technical nature of the explosion, the origin of the viral terror post, and the possibility of a coordinated attempt to spread panic. Forensic results are expected soon, and authorities have assured that updates will be shared once verified details are available. Until then, officials have asked the media to report responsibly and avoid sensational speculation.

A City on Alert but Not Afraid

Despite the tension, life in Delhi continues with resilience. Barricades around the Red Fort are still in place, and additional security personnel have been deployed across the city. The iconic monument remains closed for visitors as a precaution, but Delhiites are already returning to their daily routines. Many see the incident as a reminder that vigilance and unity are the best defences against fear. Whether the blast was a deliberate act or an accident, the truth will emerge through investigation, not through viral claims.

In the end, the Red Fort blast serves as a warning about both physical and digital security. While the city mourns the shock of another attack on its peace, it also demonstrates how misinformation can inflame fear faster than facts can catch up. The real challenge now lies not only in finding who caused the explosion but also in understanding how false claims can so easily shape public perception. Delhi stands strong, waiting for truth to replace speculation and for justice to restore calm.