New Delhi: A blast in Delhi’s Rohini area on Sunday caused panic and chaos among residents. The explosion took place near the CRPF school in Prashant Vihar, with such force that it shattered the glass panes of nearby shops. However, there were no reported injuries.
In a post on X, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said, “A multi-agency probe is on in the blasts that took place in Delhi today. I am keeping a constant watch on the progress of the investigation and assure that the guilty will be brought to book. Meanwhile, I appeal to all to maintain restraint and not indulge in fear-mongering.”
What witnesses said
The sound of the explosion was so loud that many people initially thought it might be a gas cylinder explosion. Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising into the sky and hearing the glass of shops and vehicles breaking.
Emergency services, including the Special Cell, Crime Branch, and Bomb Disposal Squad, quickly arrived at the spot to assess the situation.
Investigators have found some damage to the wall of the school, and a wire-like object, along with white powder, was discovered during the examination. The police are trying to determine the cause of the blast and have launched a thorough investigation.
Residents in the area described the loud bang as alarming, with many rushing outside to understand what had happened. One local said, “We thought it was a cylinder blast at first. It was only later that we realised it was something more serious.”
Probe underway
According to Delhi Police sources, there were prior intelligence inputs regarding a potential terrorist threat in the city during the festival season, prompting authorities to remain vigilant. In response to the blast, security has been heightened across Delhi, particularly in major markets. CRPF teams have also begun collecting data on phone activity around the area, searching for any connections to the explosion.
This incident marks the first blast in Delhi in over 13 years, with the last major explosion occurring in 2011. Although an IED was found in Ghazipur Phool Mandi two years ago, the authorities have emphasised that a conspiracy cannot be ruled out this time.
