Delhi Red Fort Car Explosion: Bus Conductor Among 9 Killed While Meeting Missing Relative

Ashok Kumar, originally from Uttar Pradesh's Amroha, worked as both a bus conductor and security guard in Delhi.

New Delhi:

Ashok Kumar was among nine individuals who lost their lives in the devastating car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort on Monday evening. A native of Amroha in Uttar Pradesh, Ashok served as the sole provider for his family of eight members. His hometown is now in mourning following his tragic death.

For Ashok, it had been a typical workday as a conductor with the Delhi Transport Corporation. He regularly operated on a cluster bus serving the Old Delhi route.

When Pappu discovered his cousin Ashok's name listed among the blast victims, he was deeply shocked. Speaking exclusively with NDTV outside LNJP Hospital, Pappu shared, "I saw his name in the list and said, 'He is my cousin.' I made calls to confirm. His motorcycle is currently unaccounted for."

Regarding whether Ashok was working during the explosion, Pappu explained, "He was likely either finishing his shift or heading somewhere. This route was part of his regular travel."

Ashok resided with his wife and four children—three daughters and one son—in Delhi's Jagatpur, approximately 15 kilometers from the blast location.

"His mother, Somwati, lives in their village with her elder son, Subhash. Ashok was solely responsible for supporting the family financially, as Subhash frequently suffers from health issues," Pappu added.

To sustain his family, Ashok worked dual jobs—as a bus conductor during daytime hours and as a security guard at night.

At LNJP hospital where blast victims are receiving treatment, grieving families search desperately for missing relatives. One elderly man was observed looking for his relative, Lokesh Kumar Gupta.

A conversation with this elderly gentleman revealed that Ashok Kumar had planned to meet Lokesh Kumar Gupta at the Chandni Chowk metro station.

"Lokesh Kumar Gupta is my relative. We both departed from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital together that evening. Lokesh took the metro to Chandni Chowk, where Ashok was scheduled to meet him," the elderly man explained.

While Ashok perished in the explosion, Lokesh remains missing.

Another victim, Amar Kataria, was a 34-year-old pharmaceutical business owner from Sriniwaspuri. After completing his workday, he had closed his pharmacy in Bhagirath Palace, approximately 6 kilometers from Red Fort, and was heading home when the explosion occurred.

Outside LNJP Hospital, Kataria's father was seen overcome with grief.

The explosion claimed nine lives and left 20 people injured when a slow-moving Hyundai i20 exploded at a traffic signal near Red Fort Metro Station gate number 1 on Monday evening at 6:52 pm. The blast damaged nearby vehicles, and disturbing footage from the scene showed severely injured victims.

The Hyundai i20 involved bore Haryana registration plates.

Authorities are investigating the incident as a terrorist attack, with Delhi Police invoking UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) provisions after forensic evidence and intelligence information suggested possible terrorism connections.

The explosion occurred on the same day that authorities discovered a massive cache of 2,900 kg of explosives just 50 kilometers from Delhi, in neighboring Faridabad, Haryana.