NEW DELHI: Serial blasts rocked Delhi yesterday evening in quick succession leaving at least 20 dead and more than 90 injured. The first explosion occurred at Gaffar Market in Karol Bagh, North Delhi. Delhi police also claimed to have defused four live bombs, one near India Gate, another near Regal Cinema and two at central park. At least two people have been detained, but little information was available as to what involvement they had in the terrorist attacks.
In Karol Bagh, the first blast originated from a compressed natural gas autorickshaw, which was followed by a blast in the gas-cylinder kept on a scooter right behind it.
Minutes later, blasts on Barakhambha Road went off near the Metro station in Connaught Place in Central Delhi. These were followed by twin blasts in Greater Kailash’s M-Block market in South Delhi. At least 10 shops were damaged in Greater Kailash. The bombs there were reportedly placed in a dustbin and a scooter.
Though a terrorist group — called Indian Mujahideen — claimed responsibility for the bomb blasts, Delhi police refrained from confirming this. “The Indian Mujahideen has claimed something but we are not very sure about it,” Delhi police Joint Commissioner Karnail Singh said. “Whether it is Indian Mujahideen or anyone else, we want to arrest those behind it.”
Minutes ahead of the serial blasts, an e-mail was sent to media organizations stating: “Indian Mujahideen strikes back once more. Within five minutes from now ... This time with the Message of Death.” The message from e-mail ID, [email protected], also said: “Do whatever you want and stop us if you can.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh strongly condemned the serial blasts and expressed grief over the loss of lives. He appealed to the people to remain calm.
