Delhi Red Fort Explosion Triggers Surge in Google Searches in Pakistan

A devastating car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi on the evening of March 25, 2024, has not only resulted in a multi-agency investigation in India but has also captured significant attention across the border in Pakistan. The blast, which occurred around 18:50 IST inside a parked Hyundai i20, claimed the lives of at least nine individuals and left several others severely injured, prompting their admission to LNJP Hospital for urgent medical care.

The explosion, which triggered a fire and destroyed six other vehicles, including auto-rickshaws, has sent shockwaves throughout the region. In the aftermath, a surge in Google search activity in Pakistan reveals heightened public interest regarding the attack and its implications.

Media Coverage and Social Reactions

The incident quickly dominated news cycles, with various media outlets and social media users in Pakistan seeking further information about the high-profile attack. According to Dawn, a prominent Pakistani media house, panic ensued in a typically bustling area of Delhi following the explosion. The report included statements from Sanjay Tyagi, a spokesperson for the Delhi Police, confirming that the incident is under investigation by multiple agencies.

On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the term “Delhi” surged to the second spot on trending topics in Pakistan. Users actively posted updates, shared videos, and posed questions regarding the ongoing investigation into the blast.

Search Trends and Key Questions

Google search trends from Pakistan indicate that users were particularly interested in understanding the nature and scale of the incident. The most common queries included:

– How did the blast occur?
– What is the extent of the damage and casualties?
– What are the developments in the official investigation?

In response to the explosion, the Indian government has registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, treating the incident as a potential terrorist conspiracy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a crucial meeting shortly after visiting the site to review the investigation. Attendees included Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha and the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), among other officials. The meeting focused on the progress of the investigation and strategies for ensuring public safety.

Security measures have been heightened in major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. As a precaution, the Red Fort Metro Station was temporarily closed, with Gates No. 1 and 4 sealed to restrict access to the Red Fort complex.

On-site investigations involved over 20 fire tenders and teams from the Delhi Police, NSG, NIA, and forensic experts rushing to the scene. Eyewitnesses reported heavy smoke and human remains scattered across the vicinity. Security forces have been deployed extensively, and monitoring has been intensified in surrounding neighborhoods.

The blast has not only drawn domestic concerns but has also heightened scrutiny in neighboring countries, reflecting the interconnected nature of security and public interest in the region.