Delhi on High Alert: Pakistan’s Lashkar-e-Taiba Threatens Attack Near Red Fort

New Delhi: India’s intelligence agencies on Saturday issued a high alert in the national capital following inputs about a possible terror plot by the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The group may target crowded religious and heritage sites in Delhi, including areas near the iconic Red Fort and Chandni Chowk, with an improvised explosive device (IED) attack.

Security has been tightened across key locations. Police and paramilitary forces have increased patrolling and checks near the Red Fort, major temples, markets, and other sensitive spots in Old Delhi. Officials say vigilance is high to prevent any incident.

NNP Delhi Correspondent Shoaibur Rahman visited the suspected areas to assess the ground situation following the security alert. He spoke to local residents, shopkeepers, and visitors, who confirmed heightened security presence, including increased patrolling and frisking at key points. While locals said daily activities were continuing as usual, many acknowledged a sense of caution amid the alert. Visitors, especially at crowded and heritage locations, expressed concern but welcomed the precautionary measures taken by security agencies to ensure public safety.

At the Red Fort entrance, crowds were thinner than usual on a weekend evening. Many tourists and families seemed worried after hearing the news.

Mohan Yadav, a visitor from Uttar Pradesh, had come with his family to see the Red Fort. He said “We travelled from home excited to show our children this historic place. But as soon as we heard about the terror alert on the news, we got very scared. We do not want to take any risk with our family’s safety. We are going back home without entering. I fully trust our security forces, they will tackle any threat. But right now, it feels safer to leave.”

In Chandni Chowk’s busy market, shopkeepers shared their fears. A Muslim shopkeeper, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he has run his small clothing store for 7 years

He recalled the pain of that day. “That blast on November 10, 2025, shook everyone here. We saw the smoke and heard the screams. Business stopped for weeks after that. Now this new alert brings back the same fear and uncertainty. Customers are staying away again. Footfall has dropped sharply since morning. We worry about our livelihood,how will we pay rent, feed our families if shops remain empty? We pray nothing happens, but the tension is high every day.”

The latest alert comes nearly three months after the November 10, 2025, car bombing near the Red Fort Metro Station. An explosives-laden Hyundai i20 detonated, killing at least 12 people and injuring over 20 others. The blast set several vehicles on fire and caused panic in the crowded area.

Investigators confirmed ammonium nitrate-based explosives were used. The driver was identified as Umar Mohammad alias Umar Un Nabi, a doctor linked to Al-Falah University in Faridabad. DNA tests on remains from the wreckage confirmed his presence in the vehicle. Sources said he was part of a larger terror module in neighbouring Haryana. The explosion happened hours after agencies seized nearly 2,900 kg of explosives in Faridabad and arrested key suspects, including Dr. Muzammil and Dr. Adil Rather. Umar allegedly triggered the blast prematurely due to the crackdown.

A senior police officer told NNP that Delhi remains on high alert. “We have boosted security around major temples, markets, and heritage sites. Teams are monitoring suspicious activities closely. People should stay alert and report anything unusual, but there is no need to panic.”

Authorities are verifying the intelligence inputs while maintaining tight security. No specific time or exact target has been confirmed yet, but focus remains on crowded religious and tourist spots.

Officials urged the public to cooperate with security forces and avoid spreading rumours. Delhi Police and central agencies continue round-the-clock vigil to ensure safety in the capital.