WATCH | Cloud of smoke after blast outside Delhi CRPF school; Atishi blames BJP for ‘poor’ law and order situation in national capital

Hours after the blast outside CRPF school in New Delhi, visuals emerge showing plumes of smoke rising near the blast site in the national capital. Security forces including premier investigative agencies are conducting inspection of the site to ascertain the cause of the blast.

Though no casualties were reported in the incident, the loud blast caused damage to the school’s wall, nearby shops and cars parked nearby. Senior police officials, fire department, bomb disposal squad and the forensic team rushed to the spot and began a probe. Officials from premier probe agencies including the National Investigation Agency and the National Security Guard are inspecting the site. Police have cordoned off the area as part of security measures.

Police found a suspicious white powder at the blast spot and the forensic team collected samples for test. A senior police official said the explosive resembled a crude bomb soil samples have also been collected from the blast site for tests. Delhi police is collecting mobile network data to find out who were present nearby when the explosion happened, PTI reported.

"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 of the blast," a senior official told PTI. 

Meanwhile, NSG commandos have deployed robots to scan the entire premises to ascertain whether there are any other explosive materials. “NSG, NIA and Delhi police have cordoned off the entire area,” a senior police official said. 

The Delhi police have registered an FIR under the Explosives Act and have increased checks at nearby areas. Police said bomb disposal teams are checking nearby areas and have increased vigil and checking. “Foot patrolling has also been intensified in different markets. We request everyone to inform the police immediately if they see any suspected item,” police said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi blamed the BJP-led Centre for the deteriorating law and order situation in the national capital. Atishi charged the BJP spends its time blocking the work of the elected party."Yesterday evening, 60 rounds of bullets were fired in the Welcome area, and today a bomb blast occurred outside a school in Delhi. This makes it clear that the BJP is working to hinder the efforts of Arvind Kejriwal's government. I would like to appeal to the BJP: please let us do our work," she said, INDIA News quoted her saying.