Blast near Israeli Embassy in Delhi, none injured
A minor IED blast took place near the Israeli Embassy in the heart of Lutyens' Delhi on Friday evening, police said. No one was injured. Some cars were damaged in the blast in the very high-security zone. Delhi Police PRO Anil Mittal said initial impressions suggest it could be a mischievous attempt to create a sensation.
Sources said the investigators have recovered an envelope addressed to the Israeli Embassy and containing a note at the blast site, but did not divulge any further details including content of the note. The blast took place when President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and PM
Modi were present a few kilometres away at the Beating Retreat ceremony at the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi and assured him of "fullest protection" to diplomats and the mission.
He tweeted India has taken the incident "very seriously". The matter is under investigation and "no effort will be spared to find the culprits," he said. Home Minister Amit Shah has been in touch with the Delhi Police chief and is constantly monitoring the situation. Delhi Police Commissioner SN Shrivastava visited the site in the evening to review the situation.