A loud blast was heard near the CRPF school in Delhi’s Rohini; NSG, NIA rush to detect – ThePrint – PTIFeed

New Delhi, Oct 20 (PTI) A heavy blast took place near a CRPF school in Prashant Vihar area of ​​Delhi’s Rohini on Sunday morning. No one was injured in the incident, according to authorities.

A bomb squad and forensic police team have been rushed to the site near CRPF School, Sector 14, Rohini to ascertain the origin of the blast which was reported around 7.50 am, while officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and National Security Agency. The Guard (NSG) has also reached the spot.

Plumes of smoke could be seen from the site. A purported video of the aftermath of the blast also surfaced on social media showing thick white smoke.

Delhi Police said they are collecting mobile network data to find out who was nearby when the blast, which is suspected to be a crude bomb, took place.

Forensic experts inspecting the outside area of ​​the CRPF school, found a suspicious “white powder” from the site and sent it to the laboratory for examination. They have also dug a hole near the school wall and taken soil samples with them.

NSG officials have also sent material collected from the site for further investigations.

“Whether it is some kind of explosive or anything else can be determined only after a thorough examination. We suspect that a dirty bomb could be the reason for the blast,” said a senior official.

NSG commandos have deployed robots to scan the entire area for other explosive materials.

“The entire area has been cordoned off by NSG, NIA and Delhi Police. Delhi Police is already on high alert due to the festival season. Police are registering the FIR under the Explosives Act,” the official said .

Senior police officers, including from the crime branch and the Special Cell, as well as firefighters arrived at the scene after being reported.

The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said they received a call about an explosion “near the wall” of the CRPF school.

“We immediately rushed two fire engines to the spot. There was no fire and no one was injured due to the explosion, so our vehicle returned,” DFS officials said.

A senior police officer said: “Our forensic team and crime unit are at the site to collect samples from the blast site. It could be a firecracker but we are investigating the whole matter from all angles.” said the agent.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage from the scene.

In a statement, police said they received a PCR call at 7.47am about a loud explosion.

“SHO of Prashant Vihar and staff reached the spot, where the wall of the school was found damaged with a bad smell. Glass windows of a nearby shop and a car parked near the shop were found to be damaged. No one was injured,” they said.

“A crime squad, a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team and a bomb disposal squad have been called to the scene. The crime scene has been cordoned off. A fire brigade is at the scene,” he said.

Police said they are trying to find out the cause of the explosion.

Another police officer said: “Our bomb disposal teams are checking the nearby area. We have also sounded an alert in nearby police stations to increase vigilance and control. Foot patrolling has also been intensified in different markets. We ask everyone to report anything suspicious to the police immediately.” People in the area rushed out of their houses and shops after hearing the explosion.

“It was around 7.30 in the morning when we heard a very loud noise. We thought an LPG cylinder exploded nearby. We immediately informed the police and the fire brigade about the case. Many glass windows of various shops were broken,” said a local resident.

Rakesh Gupta, who lives nearby, said people rushed out of their homes immediately after the blast. “We are very confused by what has happened. Police teams are investigating,” Gupta said.

Sumit, who runs a sunglasses shop very close to the blast site, said: “My window panes were shattered. Everything inside my shop fell to the floor. It was a very intense explosion,” he said. PTI BM SKY SKY

This report is automatically generated from the PTI news service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.