NEW DELHI: A low-intensity blast took place here near the high-security Israeli Embassy area at the footpath leading to damages to the parked cars there, confirmed Delhi Police Special Cell officials adding that no one has been injured.
Police said it was an improvised explosive device that went off at 5:05 pm near 5 APJ Abdul Kalam Road near Jindal House. A team of Special Cell personnel has reached the spot and cordoned off the entire area, as an anti-bomb squad was rushed to the spot.
The NIA team is also reaching the blast site, said a source.
No injuries were reported to any person, and, except for the shattered windows of three cars parked nearby, no damage to property was reported either.
Delhi Police said in an official statement: “A very low intensity improvised device went off at 5.05 pm near 5 APJ Abdul Kalam Road near Jindal house. No injury to any person is there and nor any damage to property was witnessed except window panes of 3 vehicles parked nearby. Initial impressions suggest a mischievous attempt to create a sensation”.
The area where the blast took place is just a kilometre away from the Prime Minister’s residence and considered to be quite sensitive.
The site of the explosion was 4 km from Vijay Chowk, where the Beating Retreat Ceremony was underway. The Beating Retreat ceremony marks the official end to Republic Day celebrations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked reports from the Delhi Police and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) on the blast. Sources said the Home Minister spoke to the Police Commissioner and the IB Director.
The explosion comes a day when India and Isreal mark the 29th anniversary of formally establishing ties.
Reacting to the blast, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said any attempt to disturb peace should be firmly dealt with.
“Concerned by the news of a blast near Israeli Embassy in Delhi. 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 shud be firmly dealt with,” he tweeted.
After the blast, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which guards vital installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain, civil airports, and central government buildings in the national capital, has put on alert all its units across the country, official sources said.
It has asked its personnel to enhance vigil and maintain a “high level of alert”, they said.