PM Modi vows to punish culprits behind Delhi blast, Govt orders NIA probe

Thimphu: A day after a suspected suicide bomb attack killed 13 people near Red Fort in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incident and vowed to take strict action against the culprits. According to sources, the Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over the probe into the blast to National Investigation Agency (NIA). 

“The conspirators of the Delhi blast will not be spared as the probe agencies will get to the bottom of the case, said Modi while addressing an event in Bhutan. 

"Today, I come here with a very heavy heart. The horrific incident that took place in Delhi yesterday evening has deeply saddened everyone. I understand the grief of the affected families. The entire nation stands with them. I was in touch with all the agencies probing the incident," Modi said.

"Our agencies will get to the bottom of this conspiracy. The conspirators behind this will not be spared. All those responsible will be brought to justice," he said.

King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck led a prayer in the presence of thousands of Bhutanese at the Changlimethang stadium in Thimphu for the victims of the Delhi blast. The Bhutanese leadership conveyed their heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of precious lives in the explosion in Delhi and offered special prayers for all those affected by the blasts, Indian officials said.

According to unconfirmed reports, the government has also constituted a 500-member team including officials of the Intelligence Bureau, army personnel, NSG and police to probe into the blast. Officers from level of constable to inspector, ACP, DCP, Additional CP, joint CP and special CP are included in the team, reported IANS. 

As per reports, an official announcement of the formation of the probe team would be made after the high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. The meeting is currently underway at his official residence Kartavya Bhavan here. 

The meeting was attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha and DG, NIA, Sadanand Vasant Date. DGP of Jammu and Kashmir Nalin Prabhat also attended the meeting virtually.

During the meeting, top officials gave detailed presentations on the situation following the blast.

The home minister has said that top investigating agencies were probing the blast, and will go in-depth into the incident.

The blast took place in a slow-moving car at a traffic signal near the Red Fort metro station on Monday evening, killing 12 people and gutting several vehicles, officials said. Police registered an FIR under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and the Explosives Act under sections which deal with punishment and conspiracy of a terror attack.

(With agency inputs)