In a major security development, security agencies have sounded a high alert in the national capital following intelligence inputs warning of a possible terror plot by the Pakistan-based outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) targeting crowded religious and heritage locations in Delhi.
According to sources, specific intelligence inputs indicate that a temple in the Chandni Chowk area could be among the potential targets.
The terrorists are allegedly planning an improvised explosive device (IED) attack in and around sensitive zones, including areas near the Red Fort, reported India Today.
An ANI report citing sources said key religious places, including areas around the Red Fort and parts of Chandni Chowk, remain on the radar of Lashkar-e-Taiba. According to the inputs, the terror outfit could be plotting an improvised explosive device (IED) attack and that a temple in the Chandni Chowk area could be a potential target.
It has been indicated that the outfit is allegedly seeking revenge for the February 6 blast at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, and may be planning a major strike in India.
“Blast alert in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. Terrorists may target a temple in Chandni Chowk. Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting an IED attack. They are planning a major terrorist attack in India to avenge the February 6th mosque blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. Major temples in the country can be targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba,” Intelligence sources told ANI.
Other prominent temples in the country are also possibly under the radar of Lashkar-e-Taiba. The suspected plot is being linked to an attempt by the terror group to avenge the February 6 blast at a mosque in Islamabad, though the inputs are still under verification, officials said.
Following the alert, security has been tightened at all temples in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi. Paramilitary personnel have been deployed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance, monitoring temple premises from elevated positions as well as ground level.
Teams of Delhi Police have also been stationed across the locality to regulate movement, conduct checks and ensure enhanced security in and around religious sites.
Reminder of November 10 Red Fort Blast
The latest alert comes nearly three months after the November 10, 2025 car bombing near Delhi’s Red Fort, one of the deadliest terror incidents in the capital in recent years.
The explosion, triggered by an explosives-laden Hyundai i20 near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, killed at least 12 people and injured over 20 others, while setting multiple nearby vehicles on fire.
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.
According to investigators cited in television reports, the blast occurred hours after security agencies recovered 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.
A special NIA court granted on February 13 an additional 45 days to conclude the investigation in the case. Meanwhile, the NIA court has extended the judicial custody of seven arrested accused till March 13.
Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as verification of the latest intelligence inputs is underway.
