Delhi: The Delhi Police, fire department received call about a blast near the Israel Embassy in the Chanakyapuri area in New Delhi on Tuesday evening. Relevant authorities reached the spot and started a search operation.
According to Delhi Police sources, a letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador has been found near the embassy. A flag has also been recovered along with the letter.
Deputy Ambassador of Israel to India, Ohad Nakash Kaynar said, "This is evening several minutes after 5, an explosion occurred in close proximity of the Embassy. All our diplomats and workers are safe. Our security teams are working in full cooperation with local Delhi security and they will investigate the matter further."
An eyewitness said, "This happened around 5 pm, I was on my duty and heard a huge sound. When I came out, I saw smoke coming from the top of a tree, that's all I saw... Police have taken my statement..."
The call of blast was received in the vacant plot behind the Israel Embassy. Cops are present at the spot, a search operation is underway but nothing has been found from the spot. A special cell team has also left for the incident site.
"This evening, there was an explosion near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi (100 meters from the embassy). There were no casualties... the circumstances of the incident are under investigation by the local authorities in full cooperation with the Israeli security forces," Israel Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat has said.
When contacted Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir said, "We can confirm that around 5:48 pm there was a blast in close proximity to the embassy. Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation."
According to Delhi Fire Services officials, they received a call about the blast at 5:45 pm and it was transferred from the Delhi Police PCR (police control room). The fire department immediately sent two fire engines to the spot.
Police and fire department officials are at the spot and a search operation is underway, the fire officials said. Sources said the caller told police that there was a blast behind the embassy.
A guard deployed at Hindi Bhawan told the media that he heard a loud noise behind the embassy and informed the police. A team of Delhi Police's Special Cell has also reached the spot. The area has been cordoned off and security personnel have been deployed.
Police officials said that they are searching each and every corner of the area. No explosive has been found so far and the search operation is still underway.
With inputs from PTI
