WEB DESK
A low-intensity explosion took place near the Israel Embassy in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi today evening. The Delhi Police said, the blast took place near the pavement and that the windscreens of three cars nearby have been damaged. No injuries have been reported.
Shortly after the blast, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has issued an at all airports, important installations and government buildings.
The fire department received the call at 5.11 pm as the Beating Retreat ceremony was going on at Rajpath a few kilometres away. The embassy is located on APJ Abdul Kalam Road.
An Improvised Explosive Device (IED), placed inside a flower pot on the road divider, is suspected to be the cause of the blast. It appears that it was thrown from a moving vehicle, said police sources.
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.