Blast outside HC: Cops find a black bag,tracing origin

Police said there was no timer attached to the explosives and “many red-coloured pieces of plastic” were also recovered from the spot. They are currently trying to identify local criminals,who could have been hired by militant outfits to carry out the explosions.

According to investigators,the quantity of ammonium nitrate used was very less. “The forensic report is awaited,bu we think that the quantity of explosives was not enough to do a lot of damage,” Gupta said. However,he refrained from naming any particular militant outfit that could have been involved in the incident.

Ajit,the parking attendant who reportedly pulled out the bag that was kept under lawyer Rajat Jain’s Ford Figo,said: “I am not afraid of anyone. When I heard a loud sound and saw some smoke beneath the car,I knew something was amiss. I immediately ran to the car and pulled the bag away.”

The police chief on Thursday submitted a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs,apprising them about the investigations. It also carried out a preliminary report about the intensity of damage done to the car. According to it,the right side of the car was only slightly damaged and even the headlight was intact.

Police said the entire weight of the bag was around 2 kg as it also contained two huge batteries (commonly used in two wheelers). The bag could hold the key for investigators as it is likely to lead them to the buyer.

“Prima facie,it seems like though the bomb was assembled in the city,the ammonium nitrate was purchased from outside. It is a readily available product and anyone can buy it,” a senior investigating officer said. Police have beefed up security at markets and public places across the Capital.