Delhi jeweller recounts horror of Red Fort area bombing
A BOMB blast near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has sent shockwaves through the busy Chandni Chowk market area during the peak wedding shopping season.
Local jeweller Anurag Kapil recounted the terrifying moments as panic spread and the aftermath of an explosion that has left the community living in fear.
Chandni Chowk area is a hub of commercial activity, especially during the wedding season.
Kapil, the owner of Ashoka Jewellers in Dariba, located just 200 metres from the blast site, said he was shocked at the bomb blast.
“It was a usual day in Delhi. It is wedding season and there are many people from all over the country and world here for shopping. The Red Fort and surrounding markets are bustling with both locals and tourists,” Kapil said.
He said when the blast occurred, he initially mistook it as fireworks.
“Our shop was still open when we heard a big noise but I never thought much of it because there are always events happening with loud fireworks. The sound came from the main road and there was a lot of traffic, so we thought nothing of it. Only 15 minutes later, did we realise what happened. We saw crowds of people running. It was chaos. I was shocked to hear from the people running in terror from the blast site,” he said.
“My phone was ringing continuously. My family and friends were checking where I was and if I was safe. One of my clients, who was with me, had to go home. She had to pass the bomb blast site. She called me in a panic stating that there was blood and flesh everywhere. She said there were bodies lying on the ground and many injured. It is not easy to see lifeless bodies on the road,” he added.
Kapil also spoke of the lingering fear that now hung over the area.
“This bombing is not something we expected. But the reality is that terrorists can be found anywhere. They walk among us and blend into our lives. We are now very fearful. My shop is opened but I am scared and do not feel safe. You can see the change. The roads are not busy and there are fewer people on the streets. We are terrified of it happening again,” said Kapil.
Authorities have cordoned off the area while forensic and investigative teams examine the site.