ISLAMABAD: Conflicting accounts and rapid speculation by some Indian media outlets followed an explosion in the heart of New Delhi, even as authorities stated that the cause remains under investigation.
According to AFP, at least eight people were killed and 19 others injured in a car explosion on Tuesday near the Red Fort, in the densely populated Old Delhi district.
The blast occurred near a metro station, close to the historic 17th-century Mughal landmark, a major tourist attraction.
Police did not provide details on the cause but said forensic and anti-terrorism agencies were at the site, the AFP reported.
Delhi Police spokesperson Sanjay Tyagi confirmed that the explosion took place inside a vehicle but said officials had not yet determined what triggered it.
"The exact cause is still under investigation," Tyagi said. "We have teams on the ground gathering evidence."
Local television networks reported that at least 11 people were injured. Visuals broadcast from the scene showed flames engulfing multiple vehicles and thick smoke rising from a crowded street.
According to the city’s deputy fire chief, six vehicles and three autorickshaws caught fire. Firefighting teams later brought the blaze under control.
Early contradictions
Shortly after the incident, several Indian outlets initially described the explosion as a cylinder or CNG blast, citing early unofficial accounts. However, as police cordoned off the site and brought in forensic experts, reporting shifted to references to a “possible larger conspiracy” in some media commentary panels, despite official statements urging caution.
International wire agencies that operate in India did not describe the blast as a terror incident, instead reporting it as an explosion under investigation.
Speculation over identity raises concerns
Some Indian media channels also circulated the unverified claim that a car allegedly linked to the blast belonged to a man named “Salman,” suggesting wrongdoing without police confirmation.
No official statement from Delhi Police has identified any suspect or motive, and investigators have not commented on claims regarding ownership of the vehicle.
Media analysts in India noted this as part of a recurring pattern where speculation sometimes outpaces verified detail during breaking news coverage.
Security questions raised
The blast took place near a highly sensitive zone of the capital that houses government buildings, prompting scrutiny over security measures.
Police said forensic teams are conducting examinations, and further details will be released once preliminary findings are complete.
The Red Fort, known locally as Lal Qila, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major historical symbol in India, drawing domestic and international tourists year-round.
Authorities continue to disperse crowds at the site and maintain a security perimeter as investigations proceed.
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