Red Fort blast: For the families of the victims, the life has changed in a blink of an eye
What was an ordinary day for many turned into a nightmare
PTC Web Desk: The devastating blast near Delhi’s Red Fort has left the city reeling and plunged several families into grief. The powerful explosion, suspected to be a suicide attack, ripped through the crowded Chandni Chowk area on Monday evening, killing 12 persons and injuring over 20 others.
What was an ordinary day for many turned into a nightmare. For the families of Pankaj Saini, Nauman Ansari, Ashok Kumar, and others, life has changed forever.
Pankaj Sahni, a 22-year-old cab driver from Bihar, had just dropped off a passenger when his car was caught in the blast. The sole breadwinner of his family, Pankaj’s father broke down at Lok Nayak Hospital while waiting to collect his son’s body. “He had gone to Chandni Chowk after dropping a passenger. We only want justice. My son was innocent,” he said in tears.
Another victim, Ashok Kumar, worked as a conductor with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC). A resident of Jagatpur, he was in Chandni Chowk to meet his relative Lokesh Kumar Gupta, who also died in the explosion. Ashok supported eight family members, including his mother, wife, and four children. He also worked as a night security guard to make ends meet.
Nauman Ansari (18) from Jhinjhana town in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district had come to Delhi to buy cosmetics for his small shop. His cousin Aman was injured in the blast and is being treated at Lok Nayak Hospital. Nauman was killed on the spot. He was the only source of income for the family.
Outside the hospital, grief and disbelief filled the air. Gayatri Devi and her daughter Juli sobbed uncontrollably as the body of Pankaj Sahni was brought home. Their cries reflected the agony of many others who lost loved ones in the explosion.
Among the dead was Amar Kataria, a 34-year-old pharmacist from Sriniwaspuri. He was returning home after closing his shop in Bhagirath Palace, located barely 600 m from the Red Fort. His elderly father collapsed outside the hospital, unable to bear the news of his son’s death.
Another victim, Dinesh Kumar Mishra, hailed from Shravasti district in Uttar Pradesh and worked at a shop selling invitation cards in Delhi. He supported his wife, three children and extended family. His wife Reena said her world has come crashing down. “He called every evening. Yesterday, the phone never rang,” she said.
Police officials confirmed that the explosion originated from a white Hyundai i20, believed to have been used by a suicide bomber. The blast destroyed several nearby vehicles. A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, and multiple raids are underway to trace those responsible.
The national capital remains on high alert, with security tightened at airports, railway stations, and bus terminals. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Police have also stepped up vigilance following the attack.