From routine errands to rubble: Delhi explosion ends journey of 5 UP men

AT to the lowest degree pentad men from different cities of Uttar Pradesh met the same fate on mon eventide when a powerful blowup near Delhi’s Red Fort claimed their lives. All were caught in the blast while going about routine errands or work in the city, turning ordinary lives into a scene of sudden tragedy. The victims included 21-year-old Noman from Shamli, 32-year-old Mohsin from Meerut, two friends from Amroha, Ashok Kumar, 34, and Lokesh Agarwal, 58, and 34-year-old Dinesh Mishra from Shravasti.Shamli family loses young breadwinnerNoman, a resident of Mohalla Kotla in Jhijhana, Shamli, had travelled to Delhi with his cousin Amaan to buy wholesale cosmetic items for their small business. After completing most of their shopping, the cousins decided to visit Chandni Chowk despite their driver’s advice to postpone the trip. Minutes later, the explosion near the Red Fort ended Noman’s life on the spot, while Amaan was critically injured.Relatives described Noman as a bright, hardworking young man supporting his elderly parents and four sisters. Family members have demanded that state and central authorities provide adequate compensation to help them cope with the loss. DSP Shyam Singh said the family is in the process of bringing Noman’s body back to Shamli for the last rites.Amroha friends killed minutes after meeting in DelhiIn Amroha, a pall of grief fell over the towns of Mangraula and Rahra Adda after Ashok Kumar and Lokesh Agarwal were killed in the blast. Lokesh had travelled to Delhi to visit an ailing relative, and before returning, he called Ashok Kumar to meet near the Red Fort Metro Station. The two then set out together on a motorcycle when the explosion struck, killing them instantly.Villagers remembered Ashok as a dedicated DTC conductor who had previously sold milk to support his family. He leaves behind a wife and three minor children living in Delhi. Lokesh, a father of three who had lost his wife five years ago, ran a fertiliser business in Rahra Adda.Meerut e-rickshaw driver dies while earning livelihoodMohsin, 32, of Meerut, had moved to Delhi with his wife and two children in search of work. On Monday evening, he was driving his e-rickshaw toward Red Fort when the blast occurred, killing him instantly. His body was brought to Meerut the next day, triggering scenes of intense grief at his family home. ASP Antriksh Jain said, “We have not received any formal intimation from the Delhi Police regarding the death of a man from Meerut in yesterday’s blast. However, our team is in touch with the family of the deceased.”Shravasti worker’s return after Diwali ends in tragedyIn Shravasti, 34-year-old Dinesh Mishra of Chiknipurwa village under Ikauna police station area was confirmed dead in the blast. The news reached his family late Monday night, plunging the entire village into mourning.Dinesh, who worked at a printing press in Chawri Bazaar, had returned to Delhi only a few days after celebrating Diwali with his family. He is survived by his wife Reena Devi and three young children. “He wanted to give our children a good education, but who will educate them now?” Reena said tearfully.