A Year After the Red Fort Tragedy: Survivors Share Their Ongoing Struggles
Resilience Amidst Remembrance
New Delhi: A year has passed since the devastating suicide bombing near the Red Fort, yet the vibrant life of Old Delhi has resumed. Shops are bustling, and the streets are filled with people once again. However, for those who survived the tragic event on November 10, the emotional, physical, and financial impacts linger. The explosion, which occurred at approximately 6:52 PM, was caused by a vehicle packed with explosives detonating at a busy intersection, resulting in the deaths of 15 individuals and numerous injuries. The attack was orchestrated by Dr. Umar Un Nabi, an assistant professor at Al Falah University in Faridabad.
One of the survivors, Bhola Chaudhary, a 50-year-old man with a physical disability who operates a small tobacco stall, was situated just 50 meters from the blast site. He recounted the horrifying experience, stating that he felt a powerful force strike his shoulder. Unable to flee due to his condition, he prayed for his life. Following the explosion, police relocated his cart to Jain Mandir, where he remained for several days.
Another survivor, Vijay Yadav, also 50, who runs a water and soda shop, was only 20 meters away from the explosion. He believes that bending down to grab a water bottle ultimately saved him. Shards of glass struck his cart and hand, while chaos erupted around him. In the panic, he was unable to retrieve his belongings and fled towards the metro station, only to discover he was bleeding. Yadav sought treatment at a government hospital the next day but was denied admission. He eventually returned to his hometown of Saharsa, Bihar, where he underwent surgery, incurring expenses between Rs 50,000 and Rs 60,000. He expressed his desire for government assistance, stating, "I want the government to do something for us." For small vendors like him, the months spent away from work have resulted in lost income, increasing debts, and an uncertain future. Shrikant Gupta, a guard at Jain Mandir, vividly recalled the aftermath of the explosion, saying, "The sky turned black after the blast, and bodies were strewn everywhere."
Despite the return to normalcy in Chandni Chowk, with shoppers flocking to markets for traditional attire and devotees visiting temples, the survivors continue to grapple with trauma, medical bills, and the loss of their livelihoods. While life appears to have resumed around the Red Fort, the haunting memories of that fateful evening remain vivid for those who experienced it.