The Ministry of Home Affairs has made a significant decision to transfer the investigation of the recent car blast case in Delhi to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), marking a crucial escalation in the government's response to the security incident.
Case Handover to National Investigation Agency
The Home Ministry officially handed over the probe to the premier anti-terror agency on Wednesday, recognizing the potential national security implications of the explosion that occurred in the capital city. This transfer places the investigation under the jurisdiction of India's specialized counter-terrorism organization, which possesses broader powers and resources to handle such sensitive cases.
This development follows the initial investigation by Delhi Police, which had registered a case and begun preliminary inquiries into the mysterious blast that took place near the Israel Embassy. The decision to involve the NIA indicates the government's assessment that the incident may have larger connections that require specialized investigation capabilities.
Incident Details and Immediate Aftermath
The explosive incident occurred on January 29, 2024, when a parked car caught fire near the Israel Embassy in central Delhi. Preliminary investigations suggested that a low-intensity improvised explosive device might have been planted in the vehicle, though official confirmation of the exact nature of the explosive material is still awaited.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident, but the explosion caused significant damage to the vehicle and created panic in the diplomatic area. Security agencies immediately cordoned off the area and launched a thorough search operation to gather evidence and ensure no additional threats remained in the vicinity.
Forensic teams collected samples from the blast site, and the damaged vehicle was taken for detailed examination. The timing and location of the incident, occurring near a diplomatic mission, immediately raised concerns about potential international connections and motives behind the attack.
Security Implications and Investigation Progress
The transfer to NIA enables a more comprehensive investigation that can extend beyond state boundaries if required. The agency has the authority to investigate terrorism-related cases across multiple states and has experience handling complex security threats with international dimensions.
Security around diplomatic missions in Delhi has been intensified following the incident, with particular attention to missions that might be potential targets. The police have increased patrolling and implemented additional checkpoints in sensitive areas of the capital.
Intelligence agencies are examining possible connections to previous similar incidents, including the 2021 low-intensity explosion near the Israel Embassy that caused minor damage but no injuries. The pattern of targeting diplomatic areas has raised serious concerns about the capability of hostile elements to operate in high-security zones of the national capital.
Authorities are investigating all possible angles, including the involvement of terrorist organizations, individual actors, or international elements that might have orchestrated the attack. The NIA is expected to deploy its specialized teams to trace the origins of the explosive material and identify the perpetrators behind this security breach.
The investigation will also focus on determining whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger planned series of attacks. Security agencies across the country have been alerted to remain vigilant against similar threats in other major cities and sensitive installations.
