Security has been significantly tightened around Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium following a devastating blast near the Red Fort that killed nine people on Monday evening. The explosion occurred just kilometers from where Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir are contesting their Ranji Trophy match.​

Heightened Security Measures

DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma confirmed enhanced security arrangements for the final day of play. “Security will be tightened near Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on the final day of the Ranji Trophy match between Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir,” Sharma told PTI.​

“I will be getting in touch with Delhi Police authorities and requesting them to deploy additional security outside the stadium premises,” he added, reflecting the urgency following Monday’s terror attack.

The Red Fort Attack

A high-intensity explosion ripped through a Hyundai i20 car near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station at 6:52 pm on Monday, gutting several vehicles and killing at least nine people. Over 20 others suffered injuries in the blast, which occurred during a busy evening when the area was crowded with commuters and tourists.​

The blast has been confirmed as a terror attack, with the National Investigation Agency taking over the probe after Delhi Police invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Intelligence sources indicate the explosion was likely a fidayeen-style suicide attack carried out by Dr. Mohammad Umar Nabi, who panicked after authorities arrested his associates and busted a larger terror module in Faridabad.​

Terror Module Uncovered

Hours before the blast, Jammu & Kashmir Police and Haryana Police arrested two key members of the terror cell—Dr. Mujammil Shakeel and Dr. Adil Rather—and recovered nearly 3,000 kg of explosives from two residential buildings in Faridabad. Sources told NDTV that Umar Nabi, who owned the car used in the attack, triggered the blast after learning of these arrests.​

The conspiracy had been underway since January, with the terror module—suspected to have links to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed—planning 26/11-style attacks targeting landmarks including the Red Fort, India Gate, Constitution Club, and Gaurishankar Temple. The group had been preparing 200 powerful improvised explosive devices to target high-profile areas not only in Delhi but also in Gurugram and Faridabad.​

Match Situation

At Arun Jaitley Stadium, the Ranji Trophy match continues despite the tragedy. Jammu & Kashmir are closing in on a memorable victory over Delhi, resuming the final morning at 55/2 and needing just 124 more runs to win.​

Delhi collapsed dramatically in their second innings, losing their last five wickets for just 10 runs to be bowled out for 277 after appearing in control at 267/5. Anuj Rawat, who had looked set, fell to a miscued shot, while Hrithik Shokeen and Ayush Doseja perished attempting aggressive strokes.​

Left-arm spinner Vanshaj Sharma was the architect of Delhi’s downfall, returning career-best figures of 6/68—his third five-wicket haul in just his fourth first-class match. His spell ensured Jammu & Kashmir remained firmly in the hunt for a result that would boost their position on the points table.​

Broader Impact

The blast has sent shockwaves across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that those behind the attack “will not be spared”. The Cabinet paid tribute to the victims during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, and nationwide alerts remain in force.​

With the match venue located in close proximity to the blast site, authorities are taking no chances. Additional personnel will be deployed around the stadium to ensure player and spectator safety as the final day’s play unfolds.