Israeli Embassy Blast Case: Police Searches For 'Person Of Interest' Who Used Two Autos, Left Moments Before Explosion

A police officer informed that investigators were in search of an individual who had approached the vicinity of the low-intensity blast site near the Israeli embassy on Tuesday (26 December), via an auto-rickshaw from South Delhi's Jamia Nagar. This person then reportedly departed in a different three-wheeler just moments prior to the explosion.

The officer emphasised that it was too early to affirm or negate whether the man was the primary suspect, as his identity could not be verified until late Thursday night. After examining the CCTV footage, it was discovered that the man was one of at least 12 people present near the location before the explosion occurred.

The site was also frequented by two men who were spotted riding a motorcycle and a scooter just minutes before the explosion. The identities and backgrounds of some individuals have been confirmed, but they did not seem to be the targets of investigation. The man seen in two different autos, however, remains unidentified, making him a person of interest, revealed the officer who wished to remain anonymous.

The initial auto-rickshaw was located and its driver was interrogated. He verified that his passenger disembarked on Prithviraj Road, but was oblivious to the fact that the man subsequently took another auto-rickshaw. The officer noted that they were still attempting to identify the second auto-rickshaw that departed in the direction of India Gate with the passenger.

According to Hindustan Times, another officer from the police department confirmed that they are utilising the facial recognition system to identify individuals who were in the vicinity of the site, particularly around Prithviraj Road and the Israeli embassy, both before and after the explosion.

The investigators were also examining previous days and weeks' CCTV recordings to determine if the suspects had visited the two locations for preliminary surveying.

Statements from a minimum of eight individuals have been documented by the police, while they still await the forensic examination reports from the blast location. A first information report has not been filed as yet.

A minor explosion occurred approximately 250 metres away from the Israeli embassy, situated in the heavily secured Lutyens' zone. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or property damage. Numerous teams from the Delhi Police and other counter-terrorism agencies like the National Investigation Agency meticulously searched the vicinity for evidence.

A one-page letter, typed in English and addressed to the Israeli ambassador, was discovered at the location. The letter referenced Israel's conduct towards Palestinians in Gaza starting from 7 October.

The Israeli embassy referred to the minor explosion as a "potential act of terrorism", urging Israeli citizens to steer clear of public areas or heavily populated events. The police heightened security measures at the embassy and issued a high alert.