India probes possible terror motive after deadly New Delhi blast

Authorities in India are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry after a car explosion in New Delhi killed several people, including a possible terrorist motive, investigators said on Tuesday.

The investigation has been formally launched under the country’s anti-terrorism law, North Delhi’s deputy police chief, Raja Banthia, told reporters, without providing further details.

Several sites across the city have been searched, broadcaster NDTV and news agency PTI reported, while security has been stepped up at the capital’s international airport and metro stations.

Forensic experts are still working to determine the exact cause of the explosion, which took place on Monday evening in a busy area near the historic Red Fort complex, a popular tourist site.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking during a visit to neighbouring Bhutan, referred to the explosion as a “conspiracy.”

“Our authorities will get to the bottom of this conspiracy,” he said during a public appearance Thimphu, vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice.

The state of the charred remains recovered from the site have made identification difficult, contributing to confusion over the exact death toll nearly 24 hours after the blast.

NDTV and PTI reported that nine people were killed and 20 injured, while Interior Minister Amit Shah earlier said at least eight people had died.

Authorities have not given any information as to who was in the car.

The explosion happened near the entrance to the Lal Quila metro station, which leads to the bustling Chandni Chowk market. The 17th-century Red Fort complex, located across the street and closed at the time, is one of the capital’s main tourist attractions.