Indian police are investigating a deadly car bomb explosion in the capital under anti-terrorism legislation, an officer confirmed on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to ensure that all those responsible would be brought to justice.
The blast, which occurred near the historic Red Fort on Monday evening, killed at least eight people and left 20 injured. It marks the first such attack in the heavily protected city of more than 30 million people since 2011.
“I have come to Bhutan with a heavy heart today,” Modi said in Thimphu, the capital of the neighbouring Himalayan nation, as he arrived on Tuesday for a planned visit.
“The horrific incident that took place in Delhi last evening has deeply disturbed everyone,” Modi said during a public meeting.
“Our agencies will uncover the full details of this conspiracy. Those behind it will not be spared. All those responsible will face justice.”
Anti-Terrorism Legislation
Deputy Commissioner of Police Raja Banthia stated that Delhi police had opened a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, India's primary anti-terrorism law, along with the Explosives Act and other criminal laws.
The law is used to investigate and prosecute terrorism-related acts and activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the country.
“The investigation is still in its early stages, and it would be premature to comment further,” Banthia told reporters.
In the area surrounding the blast site in Delhi's old quarters, a busy market and tourist hub, many shops remained closed on Tuesday morning, having shut soon after the explosion.
Forensic experts were seen combing through the blast site, which had been sealed off with white cloth barriers since Monday night.
Delhi Metro announced the closure of the Red Fort station for security reasons.
Police reported that a slow-moving car, which had stopped at a traffic signal, exploded just before 7 p.m. (1330 GMT). Nearby vehicles were also extensively damaged.
The explosion left mangled bodies and wrecked cars scattered across the busy street near a metro station in the old quarter.
There was no immediate information regarding the occupants of the car, who are presumed to have been killed. Police are currently tracing the car's owner.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that agencies were conducting a rapid and thorough investigation, with the results expected to be made public soon.
Relatives of the victims gathered outside the nearby Lok Nayak hospital to identify the bodies of their loved ones.
“We at least know that my cousin is here, but whether he is injured or the extent of his injuries, we don’t know anything,” said a distraught relative, who wished to remain anonymous.
Modi In Bhutan
The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a vast 17th-century Mughal-era fort combining Persian and Indian architectural styles, attracting tourists year-round.
The prime minister also delivers his annual address to the nation from the fort's ramparts every year on India’s Independence Day, 15 August.
Modi is in Bhutan to attend the 70th birthday celebrations of the country’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
In April, Modi had to cut short a visit to Saudi Arabia and return home after 26 men were killed in an attack on Hindu tourists in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi blamed the attack on Islamist “terrorists” backed by Pakistan, an allegation denied by Islamabad.
The attack sparked the worst military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours in decades before they agreed to a ceasefire after four days of fighting.
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