Delhi Car Bombing: Man Arrested, Investigation Continues

Authorities have arrested an individual in connection with a car bomb attack that occurred in Delhi last week. The incident resulted in eight fatalities and 20 injuries.

Arrest Details

The suspect is identified as a resident of Indian-administered Kashmir and is accused of conspiring with an alleged suicide bomber. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has confirmed that the vehicle used in the attack, which the government has designated as a "terrorist incident," was registered in the name of the arrested individual.

Ongoing Investigation

In addition to the primary vehicle, the NIA has seized another vehicle, allegedly belonging to the suicide bomber, for forensic examination. The agency has interrogated 73 witnesses, including individuals who sustained injuries in the blast. Police are currently investigating potential connections between this incident and recent arrests of seven men in Indian-administered Kashmir. Furthermore, links to the recent seizure of 2,900kg of explosives from a Delhi suburb are also being probed.

Incident Overview

The explosion took place on Monday evening at 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT) near a metro station in close proximity to the Red Fort, a significant historical landmark in Delhi. This blast marks the first such explosion in the city since 2011. The incident involved a slow-moving vehicle that stopped at a busy traffic signal before detonating. Home Minister Shah confirmed that the explosion involved a white Hyundai i20. Subsequent footage from the location displayed the remains of a charred white car and several other damaged vehicles, including an autorickshaw and cycle rickshaws.

Government Response

Prime Minister Narendra Modi characterized the attack as a "conspiracy," and his government has pledged to bring those responsible, along with their collaborators and sponsors, to justice.