High Alert in Delhi: Lashkar Plot Targeting Temples Near Red Fort Uncovered

New Delhi, February 21, 2026: Security agencies in the national capital have been placed on a state of “high alert” following specific intelligence inputs suggesting that the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is planning a series of attacks. According to sources, the group is reportedly targeting prominent religious sites, with a specific focus on temples in the densely populated Chandni Chowk area near the historic Red Fort.

Specifics of the Terror Threat

Intelligence reports indicate that the LeT is plotting to use Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to carry out these strikes. The timing of the alert is particularly sensitive, as sources suggest the group is seeking to “avenge” a blast that occurred at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, on February 6.

Key details of the threat include:

• Target Areas: The Red Fort precinct and the heritage markets of Chandni Chowk.
• Primary Targets: Historic temples in Old Delhi, including the Gauri Shankar Mandir and surrounding religious structures.
• Method of Attack: Use of IEDs in crowded public spaces to maximize impact.

Heightened Security Measures

In response to these credible threats, the Delhi Police, in coordination with central intelligence agencies, has significantly ramped up the security apparatus across the capital.

Security personnel in plain clothes have also been deployed to keep a close watch on suspicious movements in the congested lanes of Old Delhi, where vehicular access is already restricted in many parts.

Context: The Shadow of the 2025 Red Fort Blast

The current alert carries extra weight due to the memory of the November 10, 2025, car explosion near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. That incident, which claimed 13 lives, remains under active investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Just last week, a special court extended the judicial custody of seven accused in the 2025 case, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by sleeper cells and cross-border handlers who utilize encrypted communication and digital “dead-drops” to coordinate attacks.

Public Advisory

While authorities have stated that these measures are precautionary, they have urged residents and tourists to remain vigilant. The public is advised to:

1. Report any unclaimed bags or suspicious objects immediately.
2. Cooperate with security personnel during frisking and vehicle checks.
3. Avoid spreading unverified rumors on social media platforms.