The Devastating Impact: Lives Shattered by Delhi's Red Fort Blast

The bodies of six victims of the blast near Delhi's Red Fort have been identified so far

New Delhi:

The devastating explosion near Delhi's historic Red Fort has disrupted the capital's peace and triggered concerns within India's security establishment, while simultaneously destroying the lives of nine families who must now face an unimaginable future without their loved ones.

Pankaj Saini, a cab driver originally from Bihar, had just completed dropping a passenger at Chandni Chowk. Noman from Uttar Pradesh's Shamli was in the area procuring supplies for his cosmetic business. Ashok Kumar, employed as a Delhi Transport Corporation conductor, was in the busy district meeting another victim. Their ordinary day turned catastrophic when a white i20 vehicle, believed to be operated by a suicide bomber, exploded, causing death and destruction to multiple surrounding vehicles.

At 22, Pankaj Saini was the only breadwinner for his family. "What can I say? Pankaj had just completed a passenger drop at Chandni Chowk when this incident occurred. We seek justice from the authorities and hope it will be delivered," his father expressed to reporters at Delhi's Lok Nayak Hospital while collecting his son's remains.

Ashok also served as the sole income provider for a household of eight members. Originally from Amroha, he resided in Delhi's Jagatpur with his spouse and four children. An employee of the Delhi Transport Corporation, he was meeting Lokesh Kumar Gupta, also from Amroha, when the tragedy occurred.

Following the explosion, Ashok's cousin discovered his name listed among the casualties. "I saw his name in the list and said, 'He is my cousin.' I made calls to verify. His motorcycle is also missing."

"His mother, Somwati, lives in their village with her elder son, Subhash. Ashok single-handedly managed family responsibilities because Subhash frequently suffers from health issues," Pappu explained. Ashok supplemented his income by working as a security guard during nights.

A relative of Lokesh Gupta mentioned he was scheduled to meet Ashok at Chandni Chowk. "Lokesh Kumar Gupta is my relative. We departed Sir Ganga Ram Hospital together. Lokesh took the metro to Chandni Chowk, where Ashok was supposed to meet him," the elderly gentleman stated.

Among the victims was Noman from Shamli, who visited the wholesale market in Chandni Chowk to purchase cosmetics for his shop. The 22-year-old died instantly, while his cousin Aman sustained injuries.

Noman's uncle, Furqan, expressed that his death has devastated the family. "Those who perished were hardworking individuals. We lost our son. The government should respond decisively to prevent similar incidents in the future," he stated.

Outside Lok Nayak hospital, an elderly man was observed grieving loudly. He is the father of Amar Kataria, a 34-year-old pharmacy owner who was returning home when the blast occurred. Kataria's business is located at Bhagirath Palace, approximately 600 meters from the Red Fort, and he resided in Sriniwaspuri.

Dinesh Kumar Mishra, originally from Uttar Pradesh's Shravasti, was also among the casualties. The father of three worked at a shop selling invitation cards and lived in Delhi with his three brothers and son. His wife and two daughters remain in Shravasti. His wife, Reena, expressed that she has lost everything. Dinesh's father, Bhure, recounted seeing news about the Delhi blast. "I contacted all my sons. Dinesh didn't answer. Later I discovered the explosion had claimed his life."

The blast was so powerful that several bodies remain unidentified. Outside Lok Nayak Hospital, an unsettling silence prevails, interrupted only by the cries of family members attempting unsuccessfully to comprehend how their lives were irreversibly shattered.