Red Fort blast leaves trail of grief as families mourn loved ones

Lucknow/New Delhi: The powerful explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed 12 people and injured several others has left a trail of grief stretching far beyond the capital. The victims, many of them daily wage earners and migrants chasing a better life, were ordinary men and women whose dreams were abruptly cut short by the blast.

From the quiet lanes of Shravasti and Deoria to the bustling neighbourhoods of Meerut, Amroha and Shamli, each family has a story of struggle, sacrifice and heartbreak.

Among those who lost their lives was 32-year-old Dinesh Mishra of Ganeshpur village in Shravasti district. A printing press worker in Chawri Bazar, Dinesh had been the sole breadwinner for his wife and three children. “He had big dreams for his kids and worked hard to give them a better life,” said his father, Bhure Mishra to PTI, as relatives gathered around the grieving family home. Shravasti district magistrate Ashwini Pandey confirmed that Dinesh’s body was being brought home and assured the family of government support.

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In Meerut, the death of 32-year-old Mohsin, an e-rickshaw driver, triggered not only sorrow but also conflict within his family. Mohsin, who had moved to Delhi two years ago, died while ferrying passengers. When his body reached his home in Lohia Nagar, a dispute erupted between his wife, Sultana, who wanted him buried in Delhi where their children study, and his parents, who insisted on a burial in Meerut. “The blast took Mohsin away, and now even the family is torn apart,” said a neighbour. After several tense hours and police mediation, Sultana eventually proceeded with the burial.

In Shamli, 18-year-old Nauman Ansari, who ran a small cosmetics shop, was among the victims. He had travelled to Delhi to purchase stock when the explosion claimed his life. His cousin Aman, who accompanied him, is battling injuries at Lok Nayak Hospital. “Nauman was full of energy and ambition. He just wanted to expand his business,” said his uncle, Furkan.

In Deoria, 22-year-old Shiva Jaiswal, a garment shop owner, narrowly escaped death. He was in Delhi buying festival merchandise when the blast went off. “He had called earlier to say he was heading to our aunt’s house. Then the news flashed on TV, and we couldn’t reach him,” said his sister Purnima. Shiva is now recovering at LNJP Hospital. “He was lucky to survive,” added his mother, Maya Jaiswal, a local BJP Mahila Morcha member.

In Amroha, DTC bus conductor Ashok Kumar, 34, was among the deceased. He is survived by his wife Sonam and three young children: Aarohi (8), Kavya (5) and Aarav (3). “He was the only earning member of the family,” said local panchayat member Pintu Bhati. Another Amroha resident, 58-year-old Lokesh Kumar Agarwal, a fertiliser dealer, also lost his life. He had gone to Delhi to visit a relative at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “Lokesh was known for his generosity. His loss has shaken the community,” said his neighbour Yashpal Singh.

In Bihar, 22-year-old Pankaj Sahni, a taxi driver in Delhi, became one of the youngest victims. “He had been driving a WagonR for three years,” said his uncle Ramdev Sahni, standing outside the Delhi mortuary. “We were told the car was completely destroyed. He didn’t deserve such an end.”

Police have confirmed that 12 people were killed and over 20 injured in the explosion, which investigators believe may be linked to a wider terror plot. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, while Delhi and neighbouring states remain on high alert.

(with inputs from agencies)