On 29th January evening, an explosion happened near the Israeli embassy which is situated in New Delhi. This attack took place on the day when India and Israel were celebrating 29th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Just after the blast security agencies were alerted and the site of attack has been completely sealed. Israel said this attack as a terror attack, but no such comment has been made by India yet. No casualties reported in the blast. It is being said that the bomb was placed in Thumbs Up Can.
Both National Investigation Agency (NIA) as well as National Security Guard (NSG) too arrived at the site of blast. An alert had been issued at all airports, important establishments as well as government buildings with the view of the possibility of explosion. All the units of CISF are also on high alert.
Amit Shah monitoring the situation
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As per the latest information, Home Minister Amit Shah’s two-day visit of West Bengal has also been postponed for time being, and as of now Amit Shah will be monitoring the whole situation himself. Sources say that this decision has been taken in terms of security.
Israeli ambassador’s response
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Ron Malka, spoke that they are closely looking into this matter and working with the Indian authorities for catching hold of the culprits who carried out this dangerous attack. The incident occurred on the 29th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, also spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi about the blast and also assured him that Indian authorities are attentively handling the situation and will soon find the culprit responsible for the blast.
Spoke just now to Israeli FM @Gabi_Ashkenazi about the explosion outside the Israeli Embassy. We take this very seriously. Assured him of the fullest protection for the Embassy and Israeli diplomats. Matter is under investigation and no effort will be spared to find the culprits.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 29, 2021
Findings by the police yet
Delhi Police Commissioner, S. N. Srivastava said that I have only inspected the opportunity. The case has been registered and is being investigated by the Special Cell. We cannot say anything more on this right now.
Preliminary analysis of the CCTV footage showed that a car driver had thrown the bomb in a packet at the blast site. The identity of the owner is being ascertained based on the number of the car. The entire area has been converted into a cantonment. Investigators have found an envelope from the scene. It is said that something is written in Israeli language. It is currently being ascertained whether that envelope has any connection with the blast or not.
On the other hand, security arrangements at the Israeli embassy in Mumbai have also been beefed up. Mumbai Police and Special Security Force personnel have been deployed to guard the embassy.
This blast incident took place at such a time when Beating the Retreat was organised for concluding the Republic Day celebrations at Vijay Chowk in the National Capital. Beating the Retreat was on the go at the time when this incident happened near the embassy. The President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker and also the heads of the three Services were also present at this event.
Explosives used in the blast have been detected. It is noteworthy that the Israeli Embassy is located on Dr. APJ Abdul Kamal Marg, which is the VIP area of Delhi.
IEDs’ use for blast suspected
According to the police sources, IEDs are suspected to be used in the explosives. Also this has been stated that these explosives were wrapped in plastic bags and were hiddenin the bushes near the pavement. The explosion damaged four to five cars which were parked nearby.
I just visited the scene of crime. Case has been registered and matter is being investigated by Special Cell. We cannot say anything more on this right now: Delhi Police Commissioner SN Srivastava
— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2021
A low-intensity explosion occurred near the Israel Embassy in #Delhi earlier today pic.twitter.com/O37qCnQn26
Three fire engines and Delhi Police reached the spot as soon as the information was received. Pr Preliminary investigations unveiled that the explosion was mainly carried out to create a sensation.
Similar attacks in Past
The same type of attack was witnessed back in February 2012, and in that attack the Israeli ambassador’s wife, as well as his driver were injured.