New Delhi, Feb 21 — Delhi has been placed on high alert after specific intelligence inputs warned of a possible attack by Pakistan-based banned outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba, with religious sites—particularly a temple in Chandni Chowk near the Red Fort—identified as potential targets, officials said on Saturday.
Sources said the threat is linked to LeT’s alleged plan to “avenge” a suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad on February 6 that killed at least 31 people. Pakistan has previously suggested external involvement in that blast, a claim India has rejected. In an earlier statement, New Delhi said, “India rejects any and every such allegation, which is as baseless as it is pointless.”
Senior officials said the latest inputs, received on Saturday, point to a possible Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack. “The intelligence is specific, and security has been stepped up as a precaution,” an officer said.
According to two senior Delhi Police officers, the first set of alerts had surfaced ahead of Republic Day and were assessed at the time. “Fresh information today suggests renewed intent, which is why deployment has been reinforced,” one of them said, requesting anonymity.
Security has been intensified at key religious and heritage sites with enhanced CCTV surveillance, vehicle checks, and coordination between central agencies and local police units. “Bomb disposal squads, dog squads and quick reaction teams have been placed on standby at strategic locations,” officials told PTI.
A DCP-rank officer, backed by trained commandos, was deployed at the Gauri Shankar temple in Chandni Chowk during Mahashivratri as part of the heightened measures. Officials said the steps are precautionary and urged the public to report any suspicious activity.
The alert comes amid a series of recent security concerns. On November 10, 2025, a car explosion near Gate 1 of the Red Fort metro station killed over 10 people and led to the unearthing of a major terror module. In January, intelligence agencies also flagged threats from Khalistani and Bangladesh-based outfits. Quoting officials, ANI reported on January 17 that “Punjab-based gangsters are increasingly acting as foot soldiers for Khalistani and radical handlers operating from abroad,” with networks active across Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Another officer said the city remains under constant watch, particularly with high-profile international events taking place in the capital this week.