Month after blast, area around Israel embassy made a fortress

Nearly a month after a low-intensity blast near the Israeli embassy, the Delhi Police have made no breakthrough in the case in terms of finding the culprits or ascertaining the motive. But the December 26 incident has led the police to further enhance security in the area -- with barricades, more deployment of security personnel, and upgraded CCTV coverage -- turning the mission into one of the most secure complexes in the Capital.

- Karn Pratap Singh

The embassy is located at the intersection of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road and Prithviraj Road in Lutyens Delhi. According to police, the low-intensity explosive went off outside a bungalow on Prithviraj Road, close to the embassy -- prompting Israel to issue a safety advisory for its citizens in Delhi. A note was also found at the spot, using foul language while referring to the war against the Hamas and Israel’s military action in Gaza.

A similar, but relatively higher intensity, blast took place near the embassy on January 29, 2021. That case is still unsolved. The fresh incident is being investigated by the Delhi Police special cell.

“We trust the Delhi police to find the ones responsible for the bomb. And to bring them to justice. They (Delhi Police) have not updated us on their ongoing investigation. The security around our embassy (in New Delhi) has been increased,” said Guy Nir, spokesperson for the embassy.

Enhanced security

After the blast, two layers of iron barricading have been set up at two separate points on APJ Abdul Kalam Road outside the embassy, three officers aware of the security arrangements said, asking not to be named.

In addition, the number of personnel that form a security cordon outside the embassy complex has been increased from seven to an entire platoon of 22 personnel.