Delhi HC blast: Police release sketches of two suspects

Delhi Police on Wednesday evening released sketches of two suspects said to be behind the blast outside the Delhi High Court that claimed 11 lives and injured 76.

Police said one of the suspects was aged around 26, while the other was in his 50s. They added that these two suspects may have been part of a larger terrorist module of about four to five persons.

Secretary (Internal Security) U.K.Bansal said that of the injured, 51 had suffered orthopaedic and other injuries. The coundition of about 10 was still critical, he added.

He said that the blast had created a small crater near the reception centre of the high court. He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the bomb was placed in a brief case and there was the use of nitrate PETN, but he added that this was to be confirmed by forensic experts.

He said that the case has been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a further advanced probe. The NIA would be assisted by the Delhi Police, he added.

Senior police officials and eyewitnesses said the explosion took place at around 10.15 a.m. this morning. They added that the injured have been taken to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and the Jayprakash Narayan Hospital for treatment.

The area has been completely cordoned off to enable investigating agencies and others to assess the situation and the causes for the blast.

The Home Ministry continues to assess the situation arising out of the blast. A national alert is in place in the wake of the incident.

Gate number five is the main gate of the Delhi High Court from where most lawyers and litigants enter.

Police described the blast as being between a medium and a high intensity one.