The National Investigative Agency (NIA) will likely take up the investigation in the blast near a CRPF school in Prashant Vihar area in Rohini on Sunday morning.
According to a police source, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will likely transfer the case to the NIA on Tuesday in view of the possibility of terrorist conspiracy or any major incident.
The NIA conducted preliminary investigation and collect inputs related to evidence. A police source said, “The task of investigation in this case can be handed over to the investigation agency NIA by the Union Home Ministry after a few days.”A
He added that while a preliminary report has been submitted to the MHA, a complete report has been sought by the minister by Tuesday. “After the report of investigation of this case is ascertained by Special Cell and Rohini District Police, further decision regarding investigation can be taken in this case by Tuesday. The case can be transferred to NIA only in view of the possibility of terrorist conspiracy or any major incident,” the source stated.
Earlier in the day, teams from the NIA, National Security Guard (NSG), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Delhi Police cordoned off the area where the blast took place and a dense white smoke was present for atleast 10 minutes. Forensic experts have also collected samples from the site to ascertain the cause of the explosion which was reported at around 7.50 am.
However, after receiving information about any major criminal incident or terrorist incident or inputs related to suspicious bomb explosives, the arrival of NIA for preliminary investigation is a part of the protocol.
Due to the blast, police said a school wall, nearby shops and a car were damaged. Security has already been stepped up in Delhi due to the festival season. Plumes of smoke could be seen billowing from the spot in purported videos of the incident. Also, two cars were parked near the explosion site and some two-wheelers passed by seconds before the explosion. Local residents said the explosion was "intense" and there was a foul smell in the area after it.
"FSL and NSG teams conducted an inspection of the spot and lifted samples. A case vide FIR No. 512/24 u/s 326(g) BNS, 4 Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act & 3 Explosives Act has been registered at PS Prashant Vihar, Rohini," the police said.
"Whether it is some kind of explosive or anything else can only be ascertained after we thoroughly examine it. We are suspecting a crude bomb could be the reason for the blast," another senior official said.
