In a significant escalation of the threat landscape, intelligence agencies have sounded a high-priority alert across the national capital, warning of a potential terrorist strike masterminded by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Exclusive inputs accessed by security agencies indicate that the crowded Chandni Chowk area, particularly a prominent temple near the Red Fort, has been identified as a likely target for an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack.
The Retaliation Motive
Official sources reveal that the plot is being orchestrated as an act of retaliation. The LeT is allegedly seeking to avenge the February 6 bomb blast at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, which killed at least 31 people and injured over 100 others . While the Islamabad attack was reportedly linked to the Islamic State (IS-K), intelligence fusion centers have picked up chatter suggesting that LeT handlers are attempting to use the incident as a rallying point to carry out a major strike on Indian soil .
"Blast alert in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. Terrorists may target a temple in Chandni Chowk. Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting an IED attack. They are planning a major terrorist attack in India to avenge the February 6th mosque blast," intelligence sources were quoted as saying by news agency ANI .
Chandni Chowk and Red Fort in Crosshairs
The alert specifically highlights the vulnerability of key religious sites in the walled city area. Security agencies have been instructed to maintain zero tolerance regarding suspicious activity near the Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Given the density of the population and the footfall of devotees at local temples, the area is considered a "soft target" with potential for high casualties .
Massive Security Response
In response to the inputs, a multi-layered security blanket has been thrown over the national capital. The Delhi Police, in coordination with central paramilitary forces, has intensified checking at border points and key installations.
Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), bomb disposal squads, and dog squads have been placed on standby at strategic locations . "Surveillance has been intensified through CCTV monitoring and additional personnel have been deployed at vulnerable points. However, there is no cause for panic; these are precautionary measures," an official told Telangana Today .
The November 2025 Precursor
The alert has evoked memories of the deadly car explosion near the Red Fort on November 10, 2025, in which 12 people were killed . In that attack, a doctor identified as Umar Mohammad allegedly detonated a vehicle-borne IED near the Red Fort Metro Station. Investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) later revealed that the plot had linkages to a Pakistani handler, Maududdin Aurangzeb Alam, alias Ammar Alvi .
The NIA has made significant progress in that case, recently arresting the seventh accused, Soyab, for harboring the bomber . Crucially, prior to the November blast, security forces had recovered approximately 2,900 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, from Faridabad—just 50 kilometers from Delhi . The current threat perception suggests the remnants of the same module or sympathizers could be reactivated.
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