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The city of Delhi experienced a series of unsettling events in a short span of two months, marked by two low-intensity blasts in the Prashant Vihar area. The first incident occurred on October 20th, targeting a CRPF school, while the second explosion took place on a Thursday morning near a PVR cinema. These events have understandably raised significant concerns about public safety and security in the national capital. While the first blast resulted in no injuries, the second incident injured the driver of a parked three-wheeler. Both explosions share a striking similarity: the presence of an unidentified white powder at the scene. Authorities are currently investigating to determine the nature of this substance and its potential connection to the blasts. The lack of immediate casualties in the first instance doesn't diminish the gravity of the situation; the deliberate targeting of a CRPF school suggests a possible attempt to create fear and instability.
The investigation into the blasts near the PVR cinema is ongoing. Initial reports suggest that an emergency call was received at 11:47 am, alerting authorities to a loud noise near a local mithai store. CCTV footage from the area captured the moment of the blast, though the explosion itself was out of frame. The footage does, however, show a grey Honda City parked nearby and a white two-wheeler passing by when the blast triggered the anti-theft alarms of other vehicles in the vicinity. The resulting cloud of white smoke, visible in other video footage, caused disruption to the nearby open market area. A crucial aspect of the investigation involves analyzing the CCTV footage, witness testimonies, and the composition of the white powder to identify potential suspects and motives behind these attacks.
The October 20th blast near the CRPF school presented a similar investigative challenge. CCTV footage from that incident also captured the moment of the explosion, showcasing the destructive force that ripped through the school's boundary wall, causing damage to nearby shops and a car. A comprehensive forensic investigation was conducted, involving a bomb disposal squad, a forensics team, and even a deployment of NSG commandos who utilized drones to thoroughly scan the area for any remaining explosives. The collection of mobile phone data from the vicinity of the blast during that time is another important aspect of the investigation. The discovery of the same white powder at both sites strengthens the possibility of a connection between the two incidents, although police have yet to definitively confirm this link.
The twin blasts have ignited a heated political debate, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government sharply criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government for its alleged failure to maintain law and order in Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi directly accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to whose office Delhi Police reports, of negligence. National Convener of the AAP, Arvind Kejriwal, further fueled this criticism by highlighting a growing sense of fear and insecurity among Delhi residents. These accusations come at a politically sensitive time, as both parties gear up for the upcoming Delhi elections. The law-and-order situation in the national capital is expected to become a central point of contention in the electoral campaign. The BJP, in response, countered these criticisms by characterizing the AAP's response as a premature political blame game, urging a focus on the seriousness of the events rather than immediate political point-scoring.
Beyond the immediate aftermath of the blasts, the incidents have also highlighted broader security concerns. The CRPF schools across the nation, including two in Delhi, received a hoax bomb threat via email the day after the October 20th blast. While this threat was determined to be a hoax, its timing amidst hundreds of similar threats to domestic and international passenger flights serves as a stark reminder of the evolving security challenges facing the country. The investigation into the blasts and the subsequent hoax bomb threats underscore the need for enhanced security measures and a comprehensive approach to counter potential threats. The ongoing investigations must determine the motive behind these attacks, identify those responsible, and provide assurance to the public that measures are in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The political rhetoric surrounding the incidents highlights the need for a collaborative approach between the central and state governments to address this critical issue.
Source: 2 Months, 2 Blasts In Delhi's Prashant Vihar. What We Know So Far