Israel Embassy Blast: Delhi Police Team Recovers Battery Remains, Finds Most CCTVs 'Non-functional'

The Delhi Police on Saturday recovered battery remains from the Israel embassy blast site. Officials confirmed to CNN-News18 that the recovery of the battery parts happened during the sweep of the site this morning. “This recovery makes it clear that a timer device was used,” a police officer said.

Investigators have not come across “anything concrete” yet as most of the CCTV cameras near the site of the explosion were “non-functional” at the time of incident, official police sources told news agency PTI.

“We have recovered some CCTV footage but have not obtained anything concrete yet as most of the CCTV cameras in the area near the embassy are non-functional,” an official source said. Earlier, footage retrieved from CCTV cameras showed a vehicle moving suspiciously near the embassy just before the explosion, sources said.

The minor IED blast took place near the Embassy of Israel on Friday evening, 40-50 metres away at Jindal House.

A team of National Security Guard also visited the explosion site on Saturday afternoon.

After initial investigation on Friday, the police had suspected a vehicle borne bomber of dropping or throwing the IED near a flower pot. But the recovery of the battery and initial reports about the kind of explosive used have forced investigators to look at the angle of a “well planned, well timed conspiracy.”

Also read: Explosive PETN Found Near Israel Embassy Blast Site, Officials Question ISIS Claim as Proof Hints at Al-Qaeda

Initial forensic analysis shows PETN or a similar high grade military explosive. Further forensic tests are on to ascertain the exact nature. Initial suspicion was that ammonium nitrate, which is more readily available, was used. But PETN makes the conspiracy even more sinister.

Officials said the timing was also appears meticulous. “Entire focus of police was on beating retreat. To ensure that the ceremony went off well.. so the timing was well thought off,” a police officer said.

Officials are closely looking at the Paris incident where a suspicious looking object was recovered from the Israel embassy premises. In 2012 too, simultaneous attacks on Israeli premises had taken place in Delhi, Georgia and Thailand. Iran was blamed for attacks.

Two groups have claimed responsibility for the Friday attack on social media. Agency sources said this could be an attempt to mislead investigation.

CCTV footage from Aurangzeb Road has given police some vital clues which are being investigated.

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