NIA chief Vijay Sakhare to lead investigation into Delhi blast
What's the story
Vijay Sakhare, the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), will lead a special 10-member team to investigate the deadly blast near Delhi's Red Fort Metro Station. The explosion killed around 13 people and injured at least 20. The special team includes an Inspector General of Police (IG), two Deputy Generals of Police (DIG), three Superintendents of Police (SP), and other DSP-level officers.
Probe progress
NIA to take over case diaries
The NIA plans to take over all case diaries related to the Jaish module from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Delhi Police, and Haryana Police. This will help them understand its operational capabilities and financial support. Over 1,000 CCTV footages are being scanned by investigative agencies as part of the probe. They are also analyzing social media activity and extracting mobile phone data from multiple locations across Delhi.
Investigation leads
Suspected suicide bomber may have detonated bomb accidentally
According to NDTV, which cited sources, the suspected suicide bomber, Umar Mohammad, may have accidentally detonated the bomb after two key members of the module were arrested. Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Rather were among those arrested. An initial assessment at the blast site suggested that suspects may have panicked and made a mistake while carrying explosives, the report stated, citing sources. There was no blast crater formation or projectiles found at the site, indicating an accidental explosion.
Legal proceedings
Investigation under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
The investigation is being conducted under Sections 16 and 18 of India's main anti-terrorism law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This law is used to probe acts of terrorism and activities threatening national sovereignty. Delhi Police have registered a case under this act, along with the Explosives Act and other criminal laws.
Site examination
Forensic experts combing through blast site
Forensic experts are combing through the blast site, which has been cordoned off since Monday night. Traffic restrictions have also been imposed in the area. A slow-moving car stopped at a traffic signal exploded just before 7:00pm (1330 GMT), damaging nearby vehicles and leaving mangled bodies and wreckage on a busy street near a metro station. Investigators are tracing the ownership history of the car.