IED event in India on Sun 20th October 2024

A CRPF school in the Rohini area of Delhi was rocked by a loud explosion early on Sunday morning — triggering widespread security concerns. Officials from the National Investigation Agency and the National Disaster Relief Force as well as National Security Guard commandoes remain at the site. Officials said nobody had been injured in the blast but noted damage to the walls of the schools and some shops and a car nearby. Residents of the Rohini area woke up to a loud blast on Sunday with vibrations being felt in homes that were hundreds of metres away. Locals also reported a "chemical-like" smell at the site and thick white smoke everywhere for about 15 to 20 minutes. Local businesses were affected by the explosion, with the fire brigade, police, bomb squad as well as a team of the NIA and NSG visiting the area to ascertain the cause of the explosion. Senior police officers, including those from the crime branch and the Special Cell, as well as the fire brigade had visited the site after the blast was reported. A forensic team also examined the site and collected samples. What do we know so far? Forensic experts found a suspicious "white powder" while inspecting the area outside the CRPF school. It has been sent it to the laboratory for examination. They also dug a hole near the school wall and took soil samples. According to reports, NSG officials have also sent some material picked up from the spot for further investigation.
Delhi Police said it is collecting mobile network data to find out who were present nearby when the explosion happened. The NSG, NIA and Delhi Police have cordoned off the entire area and an FIR has been registered under The Explosives Act.
Officials suspect the blast was caused by a crude bomb although some have broached the possibility of the explosion being caused by a firecracker.