NSG, NIA teams probe 'mysterious' blast outside CRPF school in Delhi's Rohini

A loud explosion near a CRPF school in the Prashant Vihar area in Sector 14, Rohini, on Sunday morning sparked a security alert in the National Capital. However, no one was injured in the blast which initial investigation suggests could have been caused by a crude bomb, officials said.

Teams from the National Security Guard (NSG) , the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Delhi Police's Special Cell arrived at the blast site to probe the cause of the explosion and examine any potential terrorist angle in the case, the officials said.

According to a police official, “Around 07:47 AM, a PCR call was received reporting a blast near CRPF School in Sector 14, Rohini. The caller mentioned hearing a loud noise.” Upon reaching the scene, the police found that a portion of the school wall was damaged. "A foul smell was also noticed at the spot," the official added.

Forensic experts found a suspicious “white powder” at the spot and have sent it to the laboratory for examination. They also collected soil samples from the site, according to officials.

“The white powder could be a mixture of ammonium nitrate and chloride. There was a foul smell of chemicals after the blast. Local residents and police officials who rushed there also felt the same. Our teams are investigating the entire matter,” a senior police officer 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.

In addition to the damaged school wall, nearby property was also affected. “The windows of a nearby shop and a car parked close to the scene sustained damage due to the blast," said the police officer.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Authorities have cordoned off the area, and specialised teams have been deployed to investigate.

Meanwhile, CM Atishi in a post on X said, “The incident of Bomb Blast outside a school in Rohini is exposing Delhi's lax security system.”

“The responsibility of law and order in Delhi lies with the central government of BJP. But the BJP leaves its work and spends all its time in stopping the work of the elected government of Delhi. This is the reason why Delhi today is like the Mumbai underworld of the 1990s. BJP has no intention to work. If the people of Delhi mistakenly gave them the responsibility of the Delhi government, then they will do the same for schools, hospitals, electricity and water, which is the law and order of Delhi today.” she added. —with PTI