A man has been arrested in connection with a deadly car bomb attack that killed eight people and wounded 20 others in Delhi last week, authorities have said.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) stated that the car used in the attack, which the government labeled a terrorist incident, was registered in the suspect's name. The suspect, reportedly from Indian-administered Kashmir, is accused of conspiring with the alleged suicide bomber.
The explosion occurred near a metro station close to Delhi's iconic Red Fort, marking the first such explosion in the highly secure city since 2011.
The attack, which took place on a Monday evening at 18:52 local time, involved a vehicle that stopped at a busy signal before detonating. Initial reports confirm the involvement of a white Hyundai i20.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the attack as a conspiracy and vowed to ensure that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are brought to justice. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow over the incident.
Responding to the tragedy, police have seized another vehicle allegedly tied to the suicide bomber for forensic examination and have interviewed 73 witnesses, including victims of the blast. They are also exploring potential connections to recent arrests and the seizure of a large cache of explosives from a nearby suburb.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws countless tourists and has historical significance, serving as a backdrop for the country's annual Independence Day addresses.
