From Lawrence Bishnoi to Khalistanis: Here are the latest developments in the recent Delhi school blast case

The explosion that shook sector 14 of Rohini Delhi On Sunday morning, residents were surprised and authorities rushed to find answers. Initially described as an earthquake or a gas cylinder explosion, the incident has now taken a more sinister turn, with multiple investigations pointing to a potential terrorist plot. Here’s everything we know so far, from local residents’ accounts to emerging links to gangsters and pro-Khalistani groups.

The incident

On Sunday, early in the morning, the normally calm Block B of Sector 14 of Rohini was awakened by a loud explosion. Yash, a 20-year-old BTech student who lives in the area, recalls: “I was sleeping when a loud noise shook my windows and my bed… I thought it was an earthquake, but when I saw thick smoke coming out, I couldn’t see for 10 to 15 minutes.”

Several residents initially suspected a gas cylinder explosion due to the loud noise and rising smoke. “There is a court and a Delhi Police unit nearby. This area is highly secure, but the explosion happened here,” said Shashank Goswamia lawyer who rushed outside after hearing the noise. Fortunately, as it was a Sunday, nearby schools and restaurants – often busy – were closed, averting a potential disaster.

Khalistani the group claims responsibility

Later that day, a message appeared on a Telegram group linked to the banned Khalistan Zindabad force (KZF), claiming responsibility for the explosion. The group, led by Ranjeet Singh Neetawho is believed to be in Pakistan, also released CCTV footage of the explosion. The authorities, however, treat this assertion with caution.

“This could be a way of sending a message to CRPF detectives. It could also be a test run for a larger explosion during the current holiday season,” an investigator told media.

The Delhi Police investigation is focusing on possible aspects of terrorism. The explosive device is suspected to have been made with hydrogen peroxide and a chlorate-based chemical, based on white residue found at the site. The explosion caused extensive damage, shattering store windows and dislodging metal panels up to 2 km away. According to police sources, the unusual composition of the explosive suggests the use of a new mechanism.

No ball bearings, shards of metal or electronic devices were found at the scene, suggesting the attack was not intended to cause casualties but to send a clear message.

Lawrence Bishnoi connection?

As the investigation progressed, the name of Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster, also surfaced. A cryptic message appeared on the Telegram group Justice League Indiareferring to the Bishnoi gang. The group, which had not previously been linked to any major terrorist incidents, issued a veiled threat to Indian security agencies, warning that the families of those responsible could be the next target. Investigators are looking into whether this was intentional misdirection or a real threat.

The precise timing and location of the explosion, outside the CRPF school, led investigators to believe it was more of a warning than a full-scale attack. A police officer stressed to the media: “If the explosive had been placed on the other side of the road, there would have been casualties. »

Many believe it may have been a “trial run” to test the preparedness of Indian security forces or to send a message to authorities about their reach. A senior police official mentioned that the design of the explosive had similarities with the IEDs used in Jammu and Kashmir, thus reinforcing the possibility of a wider terror nexus.

The Delhi Police have registered a case under several sections, including the Explosives Act, and the investigation is now in full swing. CCTV footage of a suspect spotted near the blast site the previous night also surfaced, giving authorities a lead. Meanwhile, police have written to Telegram seeking more information about the group behind the messages. With the holiday season underway, security has been beefed up across the city as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy behind the blast.

(With contribution from agencies)