Delhi blast: Abhishek Banerjee hits out at home ministry for ‘grave lapses’
TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee blamed home ministry for lapses in Delhi’s security after a car blast near Red Fort killed 12. He demanded a time-bound SIT probe
Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee slammed the ministry of home affairs for the "grave lapses", in internal security, that led to the Delhi blast on the evening of November 10. At least 12 people are feared dead after a powerful explosion ripped through a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening.
The TMC national general secretary Banerjee, in a post on X, said that he was "deeply shocked and anguished" and condoled the deaths in the Delhi blast.
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families, and my prayers are with those recovering from their injuries. It is extremely distressing that such an incident has taken place in the heart of our national capital," he wrote.
To know the latest updates on the Delhi blast and the ongoing inquiry, click here for the The Federal's live coverage
Slams home ministry
While addressing the security concerns of the Delhi-National Capital Region, he slammed Union home ministry for lapses in internal security and demanded an impartial, time-bound investigation into the matter.
I am deeply shocked and anguished to learn of the tragic explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, which has reportedly claimed several lives and left many others injured. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families and my prayers are with those recovering from their…
— Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) November 11, 2025
Attacking the Union Government, the Lok Sabha MP said that Delhi Police, which operates under the Union home ministry, "bears the primary responsibility for maintaining law and order. How, then, are such grave lapses in security being allowed to occur?" he asked.
Also Read: Delhi blast probe hints at detonator use, possible link to Faridabad module
He also referred to the seizure of nearly 350 kg of explosives and an assault rifle in Faridabad, Haryana, on November 9, noting that the two incidents, when viewed together, "raise alarming questions about internal security and the evident decline in vigilance".
"An impartial, time-bound investigation must be conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), under court supervision if necessary, to uncover the truth and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable," he added.
Relatives of Nouman, who died in the blast near Red Fort, mourn, outside a mortuary at Maulana Azad Medical College. Photo: PTI
Delhi Blast
On the evening of November 10, a powerful explosion ripped through a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station. The preliminary investigation revealed that the car, in which the blast took place, had three occupants, and police are also inquiring whether it was a suicide attack.
The blast left 12 people dead and several injured. The injured were taken to the LNJP Hospital, a few kilometres away. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha, who inspected the blast site, said the blast happened at 6.52 pm.
So far, two deceased have been identified as 34-year-old Ashok Kumar from Amroha in Uttar Pradesh and 35-year-old Amar Kataria from Delhi, while the rest are unidentified and aged between 28 and 58.
Also Read: Delhi blast: Bus conductor, 34-yr-old businessman among 12 killed in car explosion
The Delhi Police, on November 11, registered an FIR at Kotwali police station under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Explosives Act and sections of BNS. The FIR has been registered under Sections 16 and 18 of the UAPA, which deal with punishment and conspiracy for a terror attack.
Raids are being conducted at multiple locations by the Delhi Police. The national capital has been placed on high alert with strict vigil being maintained at the airport, railway stations, and bus terminals.