‘Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy’: PM Modi after Red Fort blast

Modi’s reference to a “conspiracy” was the first public indication by the country’s top leadership of a terror plot linked to the blast.

The Prime Minister was speaking in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, where he is on a two-day visit during which he will join the 70th birthday celebrations of the nation’s former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

“India and Bhutan have shared a deep spiritual and cultural bond for centuries. Therefore, it was India’s and my commitment to participate in this important occasion. But today I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrifying incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has left us all deeply distressed,” Modi said.

“I understand the suffering of the families, who have suffered this loss. The nation stands united with them in grief and support,” he said.

Modi also said that he “was in contact all night long with all the agencies and key officials related to the case”. “Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. The perpetrators behind it will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said.

Sources said that while Indian officials had prepared for the trip to Bhutan, they were conscious of the urgent situation as security levels had been heightened after the blast. “The call was taken late on Monday night that the PM’s schedule will not be changed,” sources said.

Amit Shah, who chaired at least two security meetings in Delhi Tuesday over the blast, posted on X: “Chaired review meetings on the Delhi car blast with the senior officials. Instructed them to hunt down each and every culprit behind this incident. Everyone involved in this act will face the full wrath of our agencies.” He also briefed the Prime Minister on the ongoing investigation.

Rajnath, while delivering the inaugural address at the Delhi Defence Dialogue organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), said, “I wish to assure my fellow citizens that the country’s leading investigative agencies are conducting a swift and thorough inquiry into the incident.”

Assuring that the “findings of the investigation will soon be made public”, Rajnath extended his condolences to the families of the victims. “I pray to God to grant strength and solace to the bereaved families in this hour of deep grief.”