Red Fort Blast: Tragedy Strikes Families from Small Towns, Leaving Behind Shattered Dreams

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A devastating explosion near Delhi's Red Fort has left a trail of destruction and heartbreak, affecting families from small towns across India. The blast, which occurred on Monday evening, has claimed 12 lives, with three more victims succumbing to their injuries on Tuesday. In the aftermath of the tragedy, families from towns like Shravasti, Deoria, Meerut, Amroha, and Shamli are struggling to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. Among the victims were ordinary people - taxi drivers, e-rickshaw operators, shop owners, and bus conductors - who had moved to Delhi in search of a better life. Dinesh Mishra, 32, from Shravasti district, was a hardworking man who had been supporting his wife and three children by working at a printing press in Delhi's Chawri Bazar. His father, Bhure Mishra, recalled that Dinesh had returned home for Diwali, but never got to see his family again. In Meerut, a family was torn apart by a painful dispute over where to lay their son, Mohsin, to rest. Mohsin, 32, had moved to Delhi two years ago to drive an e-rickshaw and support his family. When his body reached his hometown, an emotional disagreement broke out between his wife, Sultana, and his parents over whether to bury him in Delhi or Meerut. The blast has also left many others injured, including 18-year-old Shiva Jaiswal from Deoria, who was buying new stock for his ready-made garment shop in Delhi. Shiva's sister, Purnima Jaiswal, said that he had called earlier that day to say he had finished shopping and would visit their aunt before returning home. The Delhi Police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act, and the National Investigation Agency is probing the incident as a likely terror attack. The death toll is expected to rise, with over 20 others injured in the blast. As Delhi and its neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh, remain on high alert, officials have enhanced security at airports, railway stations, bus terminals, shopping malls, markets, and other crowded places. The families of the victims are left to pick up the pieces and try to rebuild their shattered lives.