A low-intensity explosion occurred near PVR Prashant Vihar in Delhi’s Rohini on Thursday, injuring one person, according to the police.
The blast took place in front of a sweet shop near a park, in the same area where a powerful explosion had damaged a CRPF school wall on October 20.
Delhi Police reported that a call was received at 11:47 am about the explosion near Bansi Wala sweet shop in Prashant Vihar.
Chetan Kushwaha, 28, a three-wheeler driver parked nearby, suffered minor injuries. He was taken to the hospital and later discharged after treatment, police said.
The area was immediately sealed off as a bomb detection team, dog squad, police, and Delhi Fire Services arrived at the scene.
White powder was found at the site, though investigations are ongoing to gather further details about the explosion, officials said.
A senior police officer mentioned that film screenings were underway inside the multiplex at the time of the blast, causing panic among visitors and residents as smoke filled the area.
A video showing a cloud of smoke near the multiplex surfaced on social media after the incident. The blast site was just a few meters from the PVR.
Hours later, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticized the BJP-led central government for failing to maintain law and order in the capital.
Police sources noted that the explosion on Thursday morning resembled the one outside the CRPF school wall in Prashant Vihar on October 20.
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“A similar thick smoke was visible in the air during the October 20 explosion near the CRPF school. White powder was again recovered from the site,” a police officer said.
The Delhi Police, in a statement, confirmed that the blast was of low intensity and occurred near the wall of a small park. One person suffered minor abrasions and was quickly taken to BSA Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.
“It was a loud explosion,” said Mahinder Singh, an eyewitness who runs a food stall in the area.
“The smoke irritated my eyes, and I felt a sharp stinging sensation in my throat. We all feel extremely unsafe,” Singh added.
“We are terrified because such incidents are happening frequently in this area,” said 26-year-old juice vendor Mukesh, who also heard the explosion. “My family is also worried… but we have no choice,” he said.
In a press conference, Atishi condemned the blast, describing it as the second such incident in the same area in two months. She suggested the events indicated a larger breakdown in law enforcement and safety measures.
“This is a breakdown of law and order in the national capital,” Atishi said, referring to the October 20 explosion.
She also blamed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for neglecting the safety of Delhi residents.
(With inputs from PTI)
