Delhi Police writes to Telegram to probe Khalistan angle in blast; suspect spotted on CCTV camera

New Delhi: Even as a group has claimed responsibility on a messaging app for the explosion in New Delhi near a CRPF school, the Delhi Police is investigating whether Khalistani terror groups have any link to the incident and have written to the messaging application Telegram to know the details of those who posted the message.

Police have also recovered CCTV footage of a suspect from the night before the blast near the CRPF school in Rohini Sector 14 on Sunday morning. With festival season on, police have beefed up security arrangements in various markets.

A post surfaced on Telegram claiming that the blast was carried in retaliation against the "targeting" of pro-Khalistan separatists, prompting Delhi Police to write to the messaging App to ascertain details of the creator of the group 'Justice League Indian'. The CCTV footage of the blast was shared in the group with 'Khalistan Zindabad' watermark on it.

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

Delhi Police has registered a case under Sections 326-g (mischief with severe consequences to public safety) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and Explosives Act.

In the FIR, police said the explosion was caused by "unknown explosive substance" and a white powder has been found scattered at the site. It said there had been a "loud noise accompanied by white fumes of smoke" near the outer boundary wall of the school and a hole had been created on the boundary wall.

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) wrapped in a plastic bag and hidden in a one-feet-deep pit, is suspected to be used in the blast.

Meanwhile, police officials said, "anti-sabotage checks are being conducted regularly along the railway tracks with the help of dog squads and bomb disposal teams. We have also asked the railway staff of many adjoining cities to keep strict vigil in and around the railway stations and railway tracks."

Additional police personnel, both in uniform and civil dress, have been deployed across the city and patrolling has intensified in crowded areas, like malls and markets. Patrolling by women police personnel has also been increased.

(With inputs from PTI)