The NIA has visited the scene of the blast near the Israel embassy in central Delhi yesterday evening, and collected samples of grass and leaves from the spot, which might contain trace amounts of any explosive that may have been used. These will be handed over to forensic experts, sources told NDTV.
The anti-terror agency was accompanied by NSG commandos, a dog squad and Delhi Police's Special Cell. Paramilitary personnel have been deployed at the embassy for further protection.
On Tuesday evening, police were told of a blast near the embassy. Police teams, a canine unit, and explosives experts were rushed to Chanakyapuri, where several nations have embassies or consulates.
The alarm was raised by a security guard near the embassy building, who said, "I heard a loud noise at around 5 pm. The noise was similar to a tyre burst. I also saw smoke going up near a tree."
An initial sweep revealed nothing but, a more thorough search found an "abusive" letter to the Israeli ambassador that was wrapped in a flag. Sources have since told NDTV that the letter was in English and used "indecent" words, and that it contained the name of a group called "Sir Allah Resistance".
READ | Delhi Police Finds Letter For Israel Envoy After "Blast" Near Embassy
Police are also scanning CCTV footage from the area but this is likely to be a time-consuming process, given there are over 100 cameras in the area. Two potential suspects have been isolated and their route is being tracked, to understand where they were before, during, and after the Israel embassy blast.
The police are trying to establish their identities.
In addition, authorities are also analysing mobile phone signals. However, this will also be an arduous task because there were an estimated 5,000 devices active in the area during the blast.
Israeli official Ohad Nakash Kaynar posted on X confirming the blast and said that all diplomats and workers in the embassy were safe. An embassy spokesperson said the blast was at 5.48 pm.
READ | Israel Says Blast Near Delhi Embassy Possibly "An Attack", Issues Advisory
Tel Aviv has put out an advisory for Israelis in India, and particularly in New Delhi. The advisory asks Israeli nationals to avoid crowded places and asks them to "avoid externalising Israeli symbols".
"Avoid participating in events with many participants that are not secure. Avoid posting trip details on social networks and posting photos and visit details before the trip and in real time," the advisory said.
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