A bomb outside the Indian High Court in the capital Delhi has killed 10 people and injured at least 47. According to New Delhi-based news channel, NDTV, the blast took place just before the court opened for hearings.
The police control room received a phone call from the court at about 10.15 am requesting help. This is the second blast near the court premises since May 25 this year. The briefcase was placed in front of the Gate No. 5, used by litigants and lawyers.
India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called it a “cowardly act of a terrorist nature”. New Delhi-based news channel, NDTV showed images of ambulances taking the wounded from the scene. A blast took place in a parking lot near the cafeteria of the High Court four months ago in May. At that time, nobody was injured.
The government has issued a nationwide alert asking all states to step up vigil and take precautionary measures. Security forces have cordoned off the area.
National Security Guard Director Gen. Rajen Medhekar told reporters, “Whatever we could gather from the blast investigations is that it is an IED (improvised explosive device) with ammonium nitrate. We are working with the Delhi Police to get details.”
The rescue work has been started and injured were shifted to a hospital where some of them are said to be in critical condition. Relief and rescue efforts are underway while the police have surrounded the area after the incident.
