A high alert was issued in Kolkata on Monday evening after a high-intensity explosion outside a Metro station in New Delhi, killing at least eight people and injuring several others.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma said all police stations in the city have been put on heightened alert, with special attention to areas around metro stations.
“Instructions have also been issued to intensify naka checks and maintain strict surveillance on all entry and exit routes to the city,” Verma said. Similar alerts were issued to district superintendents and local police units across the state.
Catch LIVE updates of the blast outside the Red Fort in Delhi
Police sources said security was beefed up near major public venues. “We have tightened security in and around Eden Gardens and the hotel where international cricketers are staying for the India-South Africa Test scheduled later this week,” a senior state police officer said.
Police in Kolkata said the heightened measures include more frequent patrols, increased checks at transit hubs, and closer coordination with central agencies. Officers were also instructed to monitor sensitive locations and events, and to verify the identities of personnel at public venues and hotels.
The Eastern Railway stated, “Keeping in view the emergent situation, a Quick Response Team has been formed to rush in case of any exigencies. All the Divisions have been put on high alert and advised to keep strict security vigilance on all trains.”
The Kolkata Metro Rail Authority also issued a separate alert on Monday, paying special attention to metro stations across the city.
The blast drew immediate political reactions, with the TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. “For the sake of our nation’s safety and dignity, Amit Shah should step down from his position as Home Minister. His continued failures and inability to ensure peace and security have deeply shaken people’s faith. India deserves a capable home minister who can truly protect its citizens and uphold the nation’s integrity,” he posted on X.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. Taking to social media, she wrote, “Deeply shocked to hear about the tragic blast in New Delhi. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones, and I pray for strength and a swift recovery for all those injured.”