Blast Near Rohini School Sparks High Alert As NIA, NSG Probe Possible Khalistani Links

A powerful explosion occurred at the CRPF school in Rohini's Prashant Vihar area on Sunday morning.

The blast prompted a swift response from top investigative agencies, including the NIA. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Photo Credit: PTI

Authorities are investigating a possible Khalistani connection after a social media post suggested the explosion was retaliation for actions against pro-Khalistan separatists.

Police sources revealed that the explosion involved a low-intensity IED, controlled remotely or with a timer, and lacked shrapnel or ball bearings.

A senior police officer indicated that the perpetrators likely intended to send a message to authorities. Following the incident, teams from the NIA, NSG, CRPF, and Delhi Police secured the area while forensic experts collected evidence.

Blast Impact and Investigation

The explosion damaged part of the school wall, nearby shop windows, and several parked cars. CCTV footage captured the event, which occurred between 7:35 and 7:40 am.

Residents reported hearing the blast from several hundred metres away. Police suspect the bomb was placed late at night. The incident follows recent bomb threats targeting airlines.

Later that evening, a Telegram post by Justice League India circulated online. It included a video of the blast with a "Khalistan Zindabad" watermark.

The post stated, "If Indian coward agency and their master think they can hire filthy goons to target our members to silence our voice then they live in fools world. They can't imagine how close we are to them and how capable we are to strike anytime #KhalistanZindabad #JLI."

Community Reactions and Concerns

Videos from the scene showed thick smoke rising from the blast site. Residents described the explosion as intense and noted a foul smell in the area afterward.

Anita Singh, a local resident, had just returned from a temple when she heard the loud noise. "I felt vibrations in my house," she said. "It felt like someone's cylinder had exploded nearby."

Singh expressed relief that it was Sunday, as her children's school bus usually stops near the site on weekdays. "I shudder to think about how big a disaster it could have been had it happened during the weekdays," she added.

Official Responses and Security Measures

The FSL and NSG teams examined the site and collected samples for analysis. Police registered a case under sections of BNS for mischief through explosion and under the Explosives Act.

NSG commandos used robots to search for additional explosives. Samples of white powder and soil were sent to labs to determine the bomb's composition.

A senior police officer suggested that ammonium nitrate and chloride might be involved in the explosive mixture. The officer also noted that the perpetrator likely chose this location to avoid harming people but to deliver a message.

Lt Governor VK Saxena assured that a multi-agency investigation is underway. "I am keeping a constant watch on the progress of the investigation and assure that the guilty will be brought to book," Saxena stated. He urged people to remain calm and avoid spreading fear.

Political Reactions

Bharat Arora, President of Action Committee of Unaided Private Schools, expressed concern over school safety across Delhi and India. He emphasised the need for thorough security audits in schools and collaboration with Delhi Police for support.

Chief Minister Atishi criticised BJP's focus on obstructing Delhi's elected government instead of addressing law and order issues exposed by this blast. In response, Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta called her statement irresponsible, accusing her of deflecting from her government's failures.