On 12 November, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Lok Nayak Hospital to meet the victims of the blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, shortly after returning to the capital from his two-day visit to Bhutan.

His meeting with the injured was meant to offer reassurance and support to families still processing the shock of the violent explosion. Yet, instead of showing empathy, the national spokesperson of the Congress party, Dr. Ragini Nayak, chose to ridicule this moment. Her reaction shocked many, as she laughed openly at the very people who survived a horrific tragedy.

Dr. Nayak shared an edited video on social media, and mockingly wrote: “I laughed so hard that my stomach aches,” adding laughing emojis to underscore her amusement. The edited clip inserted a comedy routine by the late comedian Raju Srivastav over visuals of PM Modi interacting with a blast victim. For a national-level leader to mock victims who were still recovering from burn injuries, trauma, and fear displayed a disturbing disregard for human suffering.

Her behaviour immediately drew anger from netizens who were appalled by the lack of sensitivity. One user bluntly reminded her of the seriousness of the situation, writing: “You are making fun of a victim who survived a bIast. Have some shame.” Others questioned whether the Congress party and its youth organisations approved of such conduct from someone who had long represented them publicly. Another outraged citizen wrote, “What is so funny,” directly calling out the insensitivity of her laughter. Someone else bitterly remarked that she should not just laugh but also celebrate, highlighting the extent to which her reaction had hurt public sentiment.

The anger online was not without reason. Thirteen people were killed when a slow-moving white Hyundai i20 exploded near the Red Fort at 6:50 pm on 10 November. Twenty others were injured in the peak-hour blast that also damaged several nearby vehicles. PM Modi’s hospital visit was an effort to check on the injured, speak to families, and ensure they were receiving proper medical care.

The explosion took place just hours after investigative agencies had uncovered a “white collar” terror network linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind modules operating across Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Their arrests revealed the presence of 2,900 kg of explosives—an alarming amount meant for large-scale destruction. Among those detained were three Kashmiri doctors. According to officials, the car blast was triggered in panic by another Kashmiri doctor, Dr. Mohammad Umar un Nabi, after the arrests of Adeel Ahmed Bhat, Muzammil Shakeel (also known as Musaib Ganaie/Ganie), and Mohammad Arif. They were detained along with Dr. Shaheen Saeed, who had been assigned the task of establishing the JeM women’s wing, Jamaat ul-Mominaat, and recruiting new female operatives. This responsibility had been given to her directly by Masood Azhar’s sister, Sadia Azhar.

In such a sensitive national security climate, Dr. Ragini Nayak’s decision to turn the suffering of victims into a joke was not only inappropriate but deeply alarming. Her public position demands maturity, responsibility, and empathy. Instead, she trivialised a terror attack that killed ordinary citizens and severely injured many others. Her conduct diminished the seriousness of a national tragedy and insulted the dignity of survivors whose lives have been permanently changed.

PM Modi meets Delhi Red Fort blast victims at LNJP Hospital

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited victims of the Red Fort blast at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital in Delhi on Wednesday, 12 November. His visit came while the National Investigation Agency (NIA) continued to lead the probe into the car explosion, which was now in its third day. A hospital official confirmed that the death toll had risen to 12, reflecting the severity of injuries suffered by the victims.

Modi described the blast, which took place on Monday evening, as a “conspiracy” and pledged that the guilty would not escape accountability. He posted on X: "Went to LNJP Hospital and met those injured during the blast in Delhi. Praying for everyone's quick recovery. Those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice!"

Police have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the powerful explosion, which occurred near the historic Red Fort in the crowded Old Delhi area. This location is one of India’s most recognisable national symbols and the site of the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address every year. According to Ritu Saxena, the chief medical officer at LNJP Hospital, “Twelve people have died and more than thirty are injured,” as she told AFP.

Upon arriving from Bhutan, the Prime Minister headed straight to LNJP Hospital to meet the injured. He interacted personally with victims, offering words of encouragement and wishing them a speedy recovery. He was also briefed by the hospital’s medical experts and attending officials regarding their condition and the nature of their injuries.

The blast ripped through a busy, crowded area near the Red Fort on Monday evening. Initially, eight people died while being transported to LNJP Hospital, and four more later succumbed to their injuries. Home Minister Amit Shah also visited the injured the same evening and later inspected the blast site. On Tuesday, he chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials to monitor the progress of the investigation.

Shah instructed the Forensic Sciences Laboratory (FSL) team to analyse collected samples and submit their findings urgently. He also directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which had formally taken over the case from the Delhi Police, to complete their probe as quickly as possible.

Worldwide condemnation

The blast drew widespread condemnation from nations across the world. Envoys of Japan, Bangladesh, Argentina, and the United Kingdom expressed their condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and to those injured in the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed a heartfelt message to Modi, saying: “To our dear friend Narendra Modi and to the brave people of India: Sara and I, and the people of Israel, send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Israel stands strong with you in sorrow and in strength in this time,” further adding, “India and Israel are ancient civilisations that stand on eternal truths. Terror may strike our cities, but it will never shake our souls. The light of our nations will outshine the darkness of our enemies.”

His message reflected the long-standing friendship between the two countries and the shared commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms.