Suspected Blast Near Sweet Shop In New Delhi’s Prashant Vihar, White Powder-Like Substance Found

New Delhi: A loud sound of explosion was reported near PVR at Prashant Vihar area in New Delhi on Thursday. According to reports, a white powder-like substance was found at the blast site. The substance was reportedly similar to what was found in the CRPF school blast in Rohini on October 20.

No major injuries or casualties were reported. “One person sustained minor injuries. Police teams and other specialised staff – special cell, forensics and other units are at the spot. The cause of the explosion is being ascertained…As of now, there is no suspect…The person with minor injuries was discharged after treatment…,”Delhi Police PRO, Additional CP Sanjay Kumar Tyagi told ANI.

The incident took place outside Bansi sweets at 11.48 am. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot. The police have cordoned off the area. A special Cell team of the Delhi Police was mobilised to the spot. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) will assist Delhi Police in the probe of the blast

An NSG team has been rushed to the spot to carry out bomb data analysis.

Some visuals after the suspected blast surfaced on social media. It showed locals coughing and gasping for breath.

October rerun?

Prashant Vihar is the same area where a powerful explosion outside a CRPF school caused significant damage, leaving a large hole in the school wall in October. In that incident as well,  after the blast, white smoke filled the air, and white powder was found scattered at the scene.

Investigation into the case had suggested that the blast might have been caused after a cigarette butt — thrown by a man walking his dog — came in contact with industrial waste, an Indian Express report stated. Based on circumstantial evidence, sources in the Delhi Police and other central intelligence agencies probing the blast said they had not found any “terror angle” so far, the Indian Express report claims.