Blast near Israel embassy in Delhi, bomb squad on spot

The Israeli embassy confirmed a blast took place near the consulate building on Tuesday evening. Sources told India Today TV that a letter, wrapped in an Israeli flag, was also found near the blast site. The letter is addressed to the Ambassador of the Israeli embassy, the source said.

“We can confirm that around 5:08 (pm) there was a blast in close proximity to the embassy. The Delhi police and the security team are still investigating the situation,’ the embassy’s spokesperson said.

Delhi Police was alerted about the blast behind the embassy located in the Chanakyapuri area, which is the diplomatic neighbourhood in the national capital. The blast was reported on a call by an unidentified caller to the Delhi Fire Service at around 6 pm earlier today.

The caller claimed that an explosion took place on an empty plot behind the Israeli embassy.

Subsequently, a special cell team of the police along with the bomb squad reached the spot for inspection. Nothing suspicious was found at the location, the Delhi Fire Department chief said.

Speaking about the blast, an eyewitness told news agency ANI that the sound was “quite loud”.

“This happened around 5 pm, I was on my duty and heard a loud sound. When I came out, I saw smoke billowing from the top of a tree, that’s all I saw…Police have taken my statement…”

A detailed probe is underway. The police have taken the letter into custody.