First published in The Jerusalem Post
The blast caused on January 29, 2021 by a “very low-intensity improvised device” outside the Israeli Embassy building in New Delhi is considered by Israeli and Indian authorities a terrorist attack, probably by Iran.
The blast caused no injury, no damage to the building and only damage to windshields of several cars parked in the vicinity.
A handwritten note, in English, found at the blast site - a key lead into the probe - is addressed to Israel Ambassador Ron Malka and warns Israel of revenge for the killing last year of Iran’s Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani and Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. Delhi Police sources revealed that in the letter, the explosion has been referred to as a 'trailer': "We can end your life, anytime, anywhere, Iranian martyr..." the letter reads.
According to this letter, posted by Israeli Channel 13 news, while the attackers want to destroy Malka, they “don’t want [to] flow the blood of innocent people around you.” Declaring that all “participants and partners” of Israeli “terrorist ideology will be no more in existence” the letter warned: “now get ready for a big and better revenge for our heroes.”
CCTV footage of the blast site has revealed that a cab had dropped two persons near the embassy, and it is yet to be ascertained whether these persons have any role in the explosion. The Police have contacted the cab driver, enquired about the two persons and are sketching pictures of them based on input gathered from the driver.
Delhi police have asked for details through the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO) about all Iranians, including those settled overseas, who have come to the capital during the last month. So far, details of those who stayed in hotels are being gathered. The investigation is focusing also on Indian students who studied in Iran and are now suspected of operating in India under Iranian orders.
Another key lead that investigators are looking into relates to Jaish-ul-Hind, an unknown group which claimed responsibility for the blast on Telegram, more than an hour before the explosion occurred. TV reports said that central probe agencies have recovered a chat on social media wherein the terror outfit can be seen taking pride over the attack.