Delhi blast tragedy: Tattoos and burnt clothes became the only proof of identity

Delhi: At 6.52 pm on Monday evening, there was a sudden massive explosion near Gate No. 1 of Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi. At that time there was normal activity in the area; people were returning to their homes. Everything changed in a matter of seconds. The air filled with smoke, the streets turned red with blood, and there were screams everywhere. According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was so strong that the windows of vehicles parked nearby cracked and people started running away in fear.

Where was the epicenter of the blast?

The center of the blast is said to be a Hyundai i20 car, which was parked near the metro station. After the blast, the car was blown to pieces, and the surrounding area was damaged. The forensic team has found two live cartridges and explosive remains from the spot. Initial investigation revealed that the car was registered in Haryana and the explosive used in the incident was not common but was planted in a planned manner.

How many people died, and who were the victims?

At least ten people died in this blast, while many were seriously injured. The dead included businessmen, rickshaw pullers, and cab drivers from Old Delhi. These were all common people who had gone out to earn their living and never returned home. There was a crowd of his family members in LNJP hospital throughout the night. Some identified the body by tattoos and some by torn clothes.

How did you get identified through tattoos and clothes?

Amar Kataria, a resident of Chandni Chowk, was identified by the tattoo on his body. His body was badly burnt, but the tattoos convinced the family that it was him. At the same time, relatives of 35-year-old Mohammad Jumman identified him by the blue jacket. Jumman used to drive a battery rickshaw and was the only earning member of the family. His wife is disabled and has three small children. She sat near his dead body in the hospital the whole night, neither able to speak nor move.

How was Pankaj Sahni identified?

Thirty-year-old cab driver Pankaj Sahni was identified by his shirt and blue jeans. His father Ram Balak Sahni, said that he saw the news of the blast on TV at 9:30 pm and called his son, but got no answer. Later a call came from the police, and he was called to the hospital. They thought their son was injured, but the world stopped after seeing the dead body in the hospital. Pankaj was the only support of the family.

What has come to light so far in the investigation?

Initial investigation by the police and NIA has made it clear that this was not an accident but a planned terrorist attack. Elements like ammonium nitrate have been found in the explosive. The investigation team suspects that an organized module was involved in this, which wanted to carry out a major attack in the capital. The car that exploded is being linked to a suspicious network in Jammu and Kashmir.

Why is this incident considered serious?

This blast took place in one of the safest and most historical areas of the country, where every year the Prime Minister hoists the flag on Independence Day. Such a huge security lapse at such a sensitive place has given sleepless nights to the agencies. A high alert has been issued in Delhi and NCR. Security forces have started search operations in all metro stations and major markets.

What will happen next now?

NIA has taken over the investigation of the incident. Forensic teams are ascertaining the nature and source of the explosive. Delhi Police has started scanning the surrounding CCTV footage to clarify when and how the car reached there. The government has announced compensation for the families of the deceased and directed security agencies to increase vigil.