A man has been arrested in connection with a deadly car bomb attack that killed eight people and wounded 20 others in Delhi last week, authorities have said.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) stated that the car used in the attack, which the government has identified as a terrorist incident, was registered in the arrested suspect's name. The suspect has been accused of conspiring with the alleged suicide bomber and is reportedly a resident of Indian-administered Kashmir.
The explosion occurred near a metro station close to the Red Fort, one of Delhi's most significant monuments.
The agency also seized another vehicle allegedly linked to the suicide bomber for further examination and has already interrogated around 73 witnesses, including individuals injured during the explosion.
This incident marked the first explosion for the heavily secured city since 2011. The blast took place on Monday evening when a slow-moving vehicle halted at a busy traffic signal before detonating.
Shortly after the incident, Home Minister Shah confirmed that the explosion had taken place using a white Hyundai i20.
Videos from the blast site showed wrecked vehicles, including an autorickshaw and several cycle rickshaws amidst the aftermath.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled the attack a conspiracy, pledging that the government would pursue justice against those responsible, including their collaborators and supporters.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his deep sorrow regarding the event, calling it extremely heartbreaking.
Furthermore, police are exploring connections to seven recent arrests in Indian-administered Kashmir as well as a significant seizure of 2,900 kg of explosives in a nearby suburb.
The Red Fort, constructed in the 17th century, attracts thousands of tourists daily and serves as a backdrop for the Indian Prime Minister's annual Independence Day speeches.
