Amid confusion and silence from the authorities, the anguish of those waiting for news about the missing continue to shake the national capital
NEW DELHI – The aftermath of Monday evening’s deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort has left the national capital in shock and grief. At least a dozen people lost their lives, and several others were injured when a vehicle carrying explosives went off near the historic monument. Amidst the chaos, the family of Jumman, a 32-year-old e-rickshaw driver, is frantically searching for him — but no trace of him has been found since the blast.
Standing outside the chaos-stricken area, Jumman’s uncle Idris struggled to hold back tears as he recounted the family’s desperate efforts.
“He’s my nephew,” Idris said softly. “He drives an e-rickshaw. His vehicle had a GPS, which showed a location near Gate No. 1. I sent the information to his sister. When we arrived, a constable told us to check the hospital. But we found nothing there. No one has told us anything since. His body hasn’t been found yet.”
Father of Nouman, another victim of the blast near Red Fort, stands outside the mortuary at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. — IANS
The family’s anguish echoes through the narrow lanes of their neighbourhood, where relatives and neighbours have gathered, clinging to hope that Jumman is alive.
According to early police reports, the explosion occurred around 6.50 pm near the Red Fort. The impact was devastating — 20 vehicles were damaged, and more than 10 were burned completely. The sound of the blast was heard kilometres away, sending panic across nearby areas including Chandni Chowk and Daryaganj.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror. One shopkeeper near the site said, “The blast was so strong that cars flew in the air. There was smoke, fire, and people running everywhere. I saw a man screaming for help — I don’t know if he survived.”
Several people were thrown off their vehicles, and some bodies were badly mutilated. Investigative agencies have now sealed off the area and launched a joint inquiry into the incident.
For Jumman’s family, the uncertainty is unbearable. His mother has been waiting by the phone, crying and repeating, “Where are you, son? Please come home.”
Neighbours say Jumman was the sole breadwinner of his family, known for his honesty and hard work. “He worked long hours but always smiled,” said a neighbour, Shabana. “He often gave free rides to old people or poor passengers. He never hurt anyone.”
Relatives say Jumman’s phone has been switched off since Monday evening. “We have searched every hospital, every police station,” said his cousin Rahman. “We only want to know the truth. Is he alive or dead? Why is there no information?”
Authorities Silent, Families in Pain
The police have not released a complete list of victims. They have also not clarified whether all missing persons have been accounted for. Officials from the Delhi Police Special Cell said that they are investigating the source of the explosives and whether it was a terror-related act.
A senior officer said briefly, “We are checking all CCTV footage. Forensic teams are examining the site. At this stage, we cannot confirm the motive behind the explosion.”
Following the blast, markets around the Red Fort remained closed as a precautionary measure. Traders said the closure was voluntary but also necessary amid safety concerns. The usually busy Lal Qila and Chandni Chowk areas were deserted, with police barricades and checkpoints in place.
“We have seen many things in Delhi, but this was frightening,” said a shopkeeper, Mehmood Ali. “The police must find out who did this. Innocent people are suffering.”
The Red Fort Metro station remained operational, but only two gates were open to passengers, while others were sealed for security checks.
Many Delhi residents, especially in Muslim-majority areas, expressed worry that innocent people might be unfairly targeted as the investigation unfolds. Social activist Afreen Khan said, “Whenever something like this happens, working-class Muslims like Jumman face the worst. They get questioned, detained, or forgotten. The government must protect everyone equally.”
Online, users shared photos of missing persons, appealing for information. The hashtag #FindJumman began circulating late Tuesday evening, with hundreds of people offering prayers and solidarity.
As the investigation continues, families like Jumman’s remain in agonising uncertainty. His uncle Idris’s words capture the pain that many others share: “We only want one thing — to know where our boy is. If he’s no more, at least give us his body. Don’t keep us in the dark.”
For now, Delhi stands shaken — by both the blast and the anguish of those still waiting for answers.
