Patna: Bihar has been placed on high alert after a powerful explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on Monday evening, triggering stepped-up surveillance in the run-up to the second phase of assembly elections, scheduled for 11 November. Security has been tightened across the Nepal border, while patrols have been intensified in Patna Metro, Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, and major public spaces.
According to state police headquarters, all district superintendents of police have been told to increase monitoring at religious sites, markets, transport hubs and tourist locations.
Additional Director General (ADG) Pankaj Kumar Darad said that districts were already under an elevated security plan due to elections, but the Delhi blast has prompted “enhanced vigilance and stricter monitoring” across the state.
Borders, metro and airports under tighter scrutiny
Border districts adjoining Nepal and neighbouring states have been instructed to ramp up checks at entry points. Security personnel have been deployed in greater numbers at metro stations and the airport in Patna, with movement screening and baggage monitoring strengthened.
Police officials said the measures were precautionary but essential given the timing—less than 24 hours before Bihar’s second phase of polling.
Blast near Red Fort sparks nationwide concern
The explosion occurred near Gate Number 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, causing widespread panic. The blast, reportedly triggered inside a parked car, was powerful enough to send vehicle debris flying into the nearby Lal Mandir, shattering its glass facade. Several shops in the vicinity sustained damage, and multiple injuries have been reported.
Eyewitnesses said the shockwaves were felt as far as Bhagirath Palace in Chandni Chowk, where shopkeepers described intense vibrations and immediate chaos. Reports also emerged of fires breaking out in surrounding vehicles and shops.
Authorities in other states, including Uttar Pradesh, issued their own alerts shortly after the Delhi incident.
Election security at the forefront
With polling underway across Bihar, including heavy footfall expected in urban centres and border districts, the state police have instructed officers to remain on high alert and ensure “full compliance with the election code and public safety norms”.
The heightened security posture is expected to continue through the conclusion of the polling process.
