NEW DELHI – The national capital is on high alert as intelligence agencies have received credible threat information suggesting that terror groups may target prominent religious and heritage sites including the historic Red Fort and Chandni Chowk area.
Law enforcement agencies have greatly increased security measures throughout the city today, February 21, 2026, in a bid to stop any potential attack.
The Threat Profile
According to intelligence reports, the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is allegedly orchestrating a plot to carry out a major strike in India.
The source indicates that the terror group might resort to IEDs. The report names a temple in the Chandni Chowk area as the proposed main target. The group is allegedly looking to “avenge” the explosion at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan dated February 6, 2026.
Enhanced Security Measures
Delhi Police and Central Agencies have responded to the alert by setting up multi-layered security nets around locations deemed to be sensitive.
- Extensive Surveillance: Authorities have supplemented traditional methods with increased CCTV and drone surveillance to keep track of any suspicious activities in the vicinity of the Red Fort.
- Commandos On Standby: Experienced commandos along with Special Cell officials have been deployed to various vulnerable locations like Gauri Shankar Temple.
- Vehicle Checks: At the entry points to Old Delhi and major marketplaces, authorities are rigorously checking vehicles and frisking individuals to ensure no one is carrying anything harmful.
- Public Cooperation: Citizens have been requested by the authorities to be vigilant and they should not hesitate to report any unclaimed items or suspicious behaviour.
The reason for the current elevated security level is the catastrophic car explosion incident at Red Fort on 10th November 2025 which took the lives of at least 15 people.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently investigating that case and a special court has recently allowed it a 45-day extension to complete the investigation.
“Specific intelligence inputs suggest that prominent religious places remain on the group’s radar. We are maintaining close coordination between central agencies and local police units,” stated an official source.
These security protocols will probably be maintained over the weekend while senior officials will regularly review the threat perception.
