A vehicle explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort metro station on Monday evening has left at least eight people dead and several others injured. Following the incident, Kolkata police have increased security measures at Eden Gardens ahead of the first Test between India and South Africa.
The Test is scheduled to begin on 14 November, with both teams currently in Kolkata. Reports from India Today confirm that heightened security will be maintained throughout the tour.
Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha said the blast occurred at around 6:52 PM when a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a traffic signal near the Red Fort and suddenly exploded. Several nearby vehicles were also damaged. Police officials have suggested that the explosives could have been intended to cause widespread panic across the city.
Eden Gardens security stepped up
Kolkata police have implemented special measures to safeguard both teams. Strict monitoring will cover players’ travel, training sessions, and match days. Vehicles around Eden Gardens will be stopped and searched, and CCTV surveillance has been intensified.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma is scheduled to personally review security arrangements at Eden Gardens next Tuesday. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) is working closely with authorities to protect players, officials, and spectators. Security has also been enhanced at the hotels hosting both teams.
A joint meeting between CAB officials and police yesterday finalised additional security measures. The second and final Test of the series will take place in Guwahati on 22 November, followed by a three-match ODI series and a five-match T20 series.
Precautions extended to Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium
Several kilometres from the explosion site, security has also been increased for the ongoing Delhi vs Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, India Today reported.
