Team News Riveting
New Delhi, January 29
A blast took place near the Israel Embassy in Delhi on Friday evening, damaging the windscreen of multiple cars parked nearby.
According to Delhi police, the explosion took place near the pavement, 40-50 metres from the Israel Embassy. The blast is said to be of low intensity and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) may have been used in it. There are no reports of any injuries yet.
There were no injuries reported but window panes of several cars parked in the vicinity were found shattered. Officials of the police and fire brigade reached the spot and are investigating the matter. The site of blast, which took place at 5.05 pm, was not far from Vijay Chowk where several VVIPS including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among other dignitaries were in attendance during the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony.
Israel however termed the incident as a terrorist attack. The External Affairs Ministry had assured Israeli Foreign Minister of ‘fullest protection’.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar took to Twitter to say that he spoke to his Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi and said that the Indian government has taken the blasts “very seriously” and that “no effort will be spared to find the culprits.”
Meanwhile, National Security Advisor Ajit Dhobal had also spoken to his Israeli counterpart and briefed about the incident.
A high alert had been sounded at airports and big installations even as Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in touch with senior Delhi police officials and is constantly monitoring the situation.
An alert has also been issued at all airports, important installations and government buildings in view of the blast. Enhanced security measures have been put in place, the Central Industrial Security Force said.
The nature of the explosion is being ascertained and security has been stepped up in and around the area. Senior police officers have reached the spot.
