New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening made an unannounced visit to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital to meet survivors of the Red Fort car blast, which claimed ten lives and left several others injured. The visit came shortly after the Prime Minister returned from a two-day official trip to Bhutan.

PM meets victims, reviews medical treatment

During his visit, the Prime Minister interacted bedside with the injured patients, enquiring about their recovery and the treatment being provided. He also held a detailed briefing with doctors and senior officials at the hospital, who apprised him of the condition of the victims and ongoing medical procedures.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister wrote:

“Went to LNJP Hospital and met those injured during the blast in Delhi. Praying for everyone’s quick recovery. Those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice!”

The Prime Minister had earlier, during his address in Bhutan, expressed condolences for the victims of the explosion and assured that those responsible would be “severely punished.”

Death toll rises to 10

Officials confirmed that the death toll from the Red Fort blast has now risen to ten, with one more critically injured victim succumbing to injuries late Tuesday night. The explosion, which occurred near the Red Fort Metro Station, involved a white Hyundai i20 that was reportedly carrying explosives.

Investigators believe the car was driven by Dr Umar Un Nabi, a Pulwama-based doctor and prime suspect in the case, linked to an emerging terror module operating out of Faridabad.

Investigation intensifies

The Delhi Police, National Investigation Agency (NIA), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams continue to coordinate in probing the terror plot. A crucial development in the investigation came as DNA samples from Dr Umar’s mother were sent to the AIIMS forensic laboratory to confirm the suspect’s identity through biological verification.

The DNA analysis will help investigators establish whether remains recovered from the blast site belong to Dr Umar or another individual, an official source said.

The NIA has also intensified its efforts to trace additional vehicles linked to the suspects, including a red Ford EcoSport reportedly registered under Dr Umar’s name and believed to have been used for reconnaissance missions around Delhi.

High-level coordination underway

Following PM Modi’s visit, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) convened a late-night review meeting with Delhi Police and NIA officers to evaluate the investigation’s progress. Home Minister Amit Shah was briefed on the security situation and directed agencies to ensure “zero tolerance for terror.”

Security has been tightened across Delhi, with border checkpoints, metro stations, and high-security zones under continuous monitoring. Special teams have been deployed near major government installations and public transport hubs to prevent any further incidents.

Public and political reactions

The Prime Minister’s hospital visit has drawn appreciation from various quarters, with several political leaders praising his gesture of solidarity with the victims. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also reiterated the need for “heightened coordination between central and state agencies” to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Meanwhile, public concern remains high as investigators uncover deeper networks of radicalised professionals, including doctors and academics, allegedly involved in the planning and logistics of the failed terror operation.

A message of reassurance

The Prime Minister’s outreach at LNJP Hospital is seen as a message of reassurance and unity at a time when Delhi is on edge following the deadliest explosion in the capital in recent years.

Officials confirmed that all injured victims are receiving full state-supported treatment, and psychological counselling is being arranged for survivors and their families.