The national capital has been placed under a stringent security blanket following credible intelligence reports of a looming terror threat. According to inputs shared by central agencies on Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is allegedly plotting a major improvised explosive device (IED) attack in the heart of Old Delhi. The primary target identified is a prominent temple in the densely populated Chandni Chowk area, situated just a few hundred meters from the historic Red Fort.
Intelligence sources indicate that this planned strike is not an isolated incident but part of a larger retaliatory strategy. The LeT is reportedly seeking to “avenge” a February 6, 2026, suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. By targeting high-profile religious sites in India, the terror outfit aims to incite communal tension and demonstrate its continued operational capability despite international pressure.
In response to these specific threats, the Delhi Police, in close coordination with central intelligence agencies, has significantly ramped up vigilance. Security personnel, including bomb disposal squads and dog squads, have been strategically deployed around the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and other sensitive religious establishments. Surveillance has been intensified through 24/7 CCTV monitoring, intensified vehicle checks, and increased foot patrols in crowded market areas.
This recent alert comes as a sobering reminder of the security challenges facing the capital. It follows the deadly car explosion near the Red Fort on November 10, 2025, which claimed 15 lives and left dozens injured. That attack, later linked by some reports to a “white-collar terror module,” remains under active investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which recently secured an extension to conclude its probe. The memory of the November blast has informed the current proactive stance of the security apparatus, ensuring that no lead is left unverified.
While officials emphasize that these measures are precautionary and there is no cause for immediate panic, they have urged citizens to remain vigilant. Visitors to historical monuments and religious sites are encouraged to cooperate with security screenings and report any suspicious activity or unattended objects to the nearest police personnel immediately.
As Delhi navigates this heightened threat perception, the focus remains on maintaining the delicate balance between public safety and the normalcy of city life. The vigilance near the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk serves as a testament to the resilience of India’s security forces in the face of persistent external threats.
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