New Delhi: A low-intensity explosion took place near the Israel Embassy in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi on Friday evening. The Delhi Police said the blast took place near the pavement and that the windscreens of three cars nearby have been damaged. No injuries have been reported so far. Shortly after the blast, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) said an alert has been issued at all airports, important installations and government buildings in view of the blast, and that enhanced security measures have been put in place.
Security has also been increased at the office of the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai.
The fire department received the call at 5.11 pm as the Beating Retreat ceremony was going on at Rajpath a few kilometres away. The embassy is located on APJ Abdul Kalam Road.
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED), placed inside a flower pot on the road divider, is suspected to be the cause of the blast. It appears that it was thrown from a moving vehicle, said police sources.
“A very low intensity improvised device went off… No injury to any person was reported and nor was there any damage to property except the glass panes of three vehicles parked nearby,” Delhi Police Additional PRO Anil Mittal said. Initial impressions suggest a mischievous attempt to create a sensation, added the police.
“The mirrors of two to three cars are broken. Three fire tenders were rushed to the spot,” said an official of the fire department.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a tweet expressed concern at the news. “Agencies are determining the nature and cause of the blast. Thankfully, no loss of life reported yet. Any attempt to disturb the peace of Delhi should be firmly dealt with,” he said.
Several senior officials of the Intelligence Bureau, including officers of the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, Crime Branch, have arrived at the scene to investigate the blast. A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is also on the way to probe.
According to sources, the Delhi Police Commissioner has also visited the spot. The National Security Guard’s bomb disposal team is on standby as well.
With inputs from News18
(This story has not been edited by Kashmir Today staff and is published from a syndicated feed.).