Picture : Twitter / ANI
A low intensity improvised explosive device (IED) blast took place outside the Israeli Embassy in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi at around 5 pm police said. No one was injured.
Some cars were damaged in the blast that took place near the pavement outside the embassy on APJ Abdul Kalam Road, a very high-security zone in the national capital.
Delhi Police Additional PRO Anil Mittal said that initial impressions suggest that it could be a mischievous attempt to create a sensation. The bomb disposal squad of the Delhi Police carried our searches to find out if there were more explosives in the area. Forensic experts are also examining the blast site, an official said.
The fire department received a call about the blast at 5.11 pm, as the Beating Retreat ceremony was going on at Rajpath a few kilometres away.
There is a heavy deployment of police personnel and APJ Abdul Kalam Road road has been cordoned off.
Officials said that they are scanning footage of CCTV cameras installed nearby to ascertain the sequence of events. Senior officers of the Delhi Police are on spot.
Meanwhile, reacting after the blast, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in a tweet said he spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi regarding the explosion outside the Israeli embassy in New Delhi, and assured him of ‘fullest protection’ to diplomats and the mission.
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
