Israeli investigators to assist Indian probe agencies on IED blast near embassy

Investigators from Israel, who probe terror-related incidents at overseas strategic locations and on their citizens, will be arriving in New Delhi soon over the minor IED blast outside the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on Friday evening.

The team of investigators from Israel could arrive in New Delhi as early as Saturday to assist Indian agencies in the probe on blast near the embassy in which some cars were damaged in the high-security zone of Lutyens’ Delhi.

Calling the minor blast “an act of terror” Israel said that they will be and will be assisting Indian probe agencies in the investigation.

In 2012, when an Israeli diplomat was attacked in New Delhi, Israel had provided similar assistance to India. The Israeli investigators then had visited the scene of crime and also the hotel where the Iranian suspects had stayed.

A minor IED blast was reported near the Israeli embassy in New Delhi on Friday evening. No major damages were reported in the blast and only a few cars suffered damages.

Delhi Police Additional PRO Anil Mittal said initial impressions suggest that it could be a mischievous attempt to create a sensation.

Sources said the investigators have recovered an envelope addressed to the Israeli embassy containing a note at the blast site, but did not divulge any further details including content of the note.

The blast took place when President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were present a few kilometres away at the Beating Retreat ceremony at the culmination of the Republic Day celebrations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi and assured him of “fullest protection” to diplomats and the mission.