Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 21: Security agencies have sounded a high alert in the national capital following intelligence inputs warning of a possible terror plot by Pakistan-based outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) targeting crowded religious and heritage locations in Old Delhi.
An intelligence note accessed by India Today suggests that terrorists may attempt an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in areas around the Red Fort and temples located in the densely populated Chandni Chowk locality.
According to available inputs, the suspected plot is believed to be linked to a retaliatory move following a recent blast at a mosque in Islamabad on February 6, with LeT operatives allegedly seeking to execute a major strike in India. Intelligence agencies have also cautioned that prominent temples across the country could remain potential targets.
Following the alert, Delhi Police and central security agencies have intensified surveillance across sensitive zones, particularly in Old Delhi. Additional personnel have been deployed, vehicle checks stepped up, and anti-sabotage inspections launched near religious sites and tourist hubs.
The latest warning comes nearly three months after the November 10, 2025 car bombing near the Red Fort, one of the deadliest terror incidents in the capital in recent years. The explosion, triggered by an explosives-laden Hyundai i20 near the Red Fort Metro Station, claimed at least 12 lives and left over 20 injured, besides setting multiple vehicles ablaze. Investigators later confirmed that ammonium nitrate-based explosives were used in the blast.
Probe agencies identified the vehicle’s driver as Umar Mohammad alias Umar Un Nabi, a doctor associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad. DNA analysis of human remains recovered from the wreckage confirmed his presence inside the vehicle at the time of the explosion. Investigators linked him to a wider terror module operating out of neighbouring Haryana.
Television reports citing investigators said the blast occurred hours after security agencies seized nearly 2,900 kg of explosives in Faridabad and arrested key module members, including associates identified as Dr Muzammil and Dr Adil Rather. Sources indicated that Umar allegedly detonated the vehicle prematurely near the Red Fort amid mounting pressure from the crackdown on the network.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as security arrangements remain on heightened alert across the capital.