On September 7, terrorists struck Delhi again. A high intensity bomb went off outside the Delhi High Court at 10.17 a.m. As per latest updates, the death toll has been 15 and 76 injured, some critically.

The blast occurred between Gate No. 4 and 5 of the Delhi High Court when around 200 visitors, mostly litigants, were waiting in queue to get passes to enter the court premises. The bomb is believed to have been placed in a briefcase and left near gate No. 5 of the court.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing the blast and reportedly has taken a few persons for interrogation. The Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh has said that “some people have been arrested and they are being interrogated. We have clues and there is progress in the investigation.” The NIA has also announced Rs. 10 lakh reward for any information on the people behind the blast.

Meanwhile, the Home Minister, P. Chidambaram has stated in Parliament that “Delhi is a target of terrorist groups. When Parliament is in session and during certain other times of the year, Delhi is placed on high alert. Intelligence agencies constantly share intelligence inputs with Delhi Police. Intelligence pertaining to threats emanating from certain groups was shared with Delhi Police in July 2011. At this stage it is not possible to identify the group that caused the bomb blast.”

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh Police has ruled out any terrorist angle in the blast that took place in a hospital in Agra on September 17.

The Special DGP (Law and Order) Brij Lal said neither the materials used nor the design of the device pointed to the involvement of terrorists.

As per preliminary investigation, the blast was caused by a crude device without a timer, or a detonator. The explosive materials were potassium chlorate, sulphur and charcoal, all of which are used in making firecrackers.

Brij Lal said the state’s investigating agencies, including the ATS, are working to track down those involved in making and planting the bomb at Jai Hospital.