A low-intensity blast occurred near the Israel Embassy in Central Delhi on Friday evening at a time when the annual Beating Retreat ceremony was underway at Vijay Chowk near the Rashtrapati Bhawan. The police said adding that no injuries had been reported and heavy security has been deployed on the spot.
The explosion took place near a footpath, damaging windscreen of several cars parked on the opposite side of the road.
The entire area has been cordoned-off and heavy police forces have been deployed. A team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has also been rushed to check the security around the Israeli embassy.
"A very low-intensity improvised device went off at 5.05 pm near 5 APJ Abdul Kalam Road near Jindal house. No injury to any person has been reported nor any property damage was witnessed, except window panes of some vehicles parked nearby," the Delhi Police said in a statement.
The explosive, a suspected IED, was found wrapped in a plastic bag and left on the pavement, where it detonated.
Fire brigade, SWAT and forensic teams were rushed teams to the spot immediately after the incident that took place at around 5 pm.
"We are looking into the matter. Multiple police teams have been rushed to the spot. It is yet to be ascertained the kind of material that exploded," said a senior police officer.
As per fire department information, they received the call at 5.11 pm, and three fire tenders were pressed into service.
CCTV footage from the locality is being scanned.
Sources said the improvised device was found in a flower pot on a road divider near Jindal House, Delhi. It appears that it was thrown from a moving vehicle.
A bottle with explosives was used in the blast and the IED was hidden in bushes and likely had a timer attached, said the sources.
The blast near the Israel embassy comes on a day when India and Israel celebrate 29 years of India-Israel diplomatic relations.
Israeli Ambassador Ron Malka said that all embassy officials are safe and no one was injured near the embassy. "All embassies and staff were ordered to stay alert and take necessary precautionary measures," the ministry said.
Security alerted
Meantime, security in the area around the Israeli embassy has been increased. The NIA, Delhi Police Special Cell and senior police officials have reached the spot.
The bomb disposal squad of the National Security Guard (NSG) are also on standby.
Samples from the blast site have already been collected for investigation. While it is not yet clear if the attack was done by any terror organisation or an individual.
Union home minister Amit Shah is closely monitoring the situation.
Foreign Minister S Jaishankar in a tweet said he has spoken to Israeli officials Gabi Ashkenazi, and assured him of "the fullest protection for the Embassy and diplomats".
"Spoke just now to Israeli Foreign Minister 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. The matter is under investigation and no effort will be spared to find the culprits," he said.
Also Read: Low-intensity blast near Israel embassy in Delhi, none injured
As part of SOP in such circumstances, all airports have been alerted, important installations and government buildings in the country have also been cautioned.
"Enhanced security measures have been put in place", the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) said.