NEW DELHI— Intelligence agencies have issued a “blast alert” for the heart of Old Delhi after uncovering a plot by Lashkar-e-Taiba to strike prominent religious venues. According to reports from ANI and other sources, the outfit is allegedly seeking retaliation for a deadly suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on February 6, which killed over 30 people and for which Pakistani officials (without evidence) blamed Indian involvement.
Key Details of the Intelligence Alert:
- The Target: A temple in the Chandni Chowk area, situated in the high-footfall zone near the Red Fort.
- The Weapon: Sources indicate the use of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) for a high-impact explosion.
- The Motive: Retaliation for the February 6 blast at the Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque in Islamabad.
- Broader Scope: Intelligence warns that the threat may not be limited to Delhi; major temples across India are reportedly on the LeT’s “target list.”
Context: The “Invisible Network” and the November 2025 Blast
The current alert is being treated with extreme urgency due to the recent history of the area. On November 10, 2025, a car bomb exploded near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, killing 12 people.
- The Investigation: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently probing the November blast. On February 13, 2026, a special court extended the probe period by 45 days.
- New Tactics: Reports from the Red Fort investigation suggest a shift toward “invisible” terror recruits—individuals with no prior criminal records or traditional markers of radicalization.
Security Response in the Capital
In light of the fresh inputs, the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces have:
- Intensified Surveillance: Increased CCTV monitoring and drone activity in the Old Delhi circuit.
- Checkpoints: Set up additional barricades and “stop-and-search” zones at major entry points to Chandni Chowk.
- Public Vigilance: Authorities have urged the public to remain alert for abandoned bags or suspicious behavior in crowded markets and religious places.