The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) has expressed deep sorrow and called for calm and unity following a deadly explosion near the Red Fort in Delhi that killed at least eight people and injured several others on Monday evening.
In a statement released late Tuesday, EFI General Secretary Rev. Vijayesh Lal said the Christian community “grieves this heartbreaking loss of life” and is praying for the families of the victims, those injured, and for peace to prevail in the capital.
“We strongly condemn this tragic act that has caused such loss and fear in our national capital. Violence that takes innocent lives has no place in our society,” Lal said. “We pray that truth will come to light swiftly and that justice will be done.”
According to BBC reporting, Delhi Police said the blast occurred when a slow-moving car stopped at a traffic signal near a metro station close to the Red Fort, one of India’s most visited landmarks. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe under anti-terror laws, and the Red Fort has been closed to the public for three days while the investigation continues.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said those responsible “will not be spared,” and Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with senior officials, pledging to “hunt down each and every culprit,” BBC reported.
The Evangelical Fellowship of India commended first responders, medical workers, and law enforcement for their “courageous service in a moment of chaos and danger.”
“In this hour of grief, we urge all communities to remain calm, maintain peace, and resist every attempt to spread fear, hatred, or division,” EFI said. “Let us, as people of faith, stand together for healing, solidarity, and reconciliation.”
The organization also called on churches and Christian institutions across the country to join in prayer for the victims, their families, and the authorities conducting the investigation.
