Delhi blast: Atishi likens Delhi to ‘Mumbai underworld’ situation; police probes ‘pro-Khalistani’ link

A blast in Rohini early Sunday morning sent shockwaves through the capital city, raising alarm over public safety and prompting a political clash and police to investigate a “pro-Khalistani” link. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi blamed the Central government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for the deteriorating law and order in the city, likening the situation to Mumbai’s ‘underworld’ era.

The explosion, which occurred at around 7:47 am, damaged a section of a CRPF school wall and several nearby vehicles, though no injuries were reported. Authorities immediately launched a multi-agency investigation to determine the cause of the blast.

Shortly after the incident, Atishi criticised the BJP on X, stating, “The responsibility to maintain law and order in Delhi is with BJP's Central government. But BJP ignores this and uses its time to disrupt the work of Delhi's elected governments."

Atishi added, “This is why Delhi's situation is now that of Mumbai during the era of the Underworld. Bullets are being fired in the open, gangsters are extorting money, and criminals are upbeat. The BJP neither has the intent nor the ability (to handle this).” 

Atishi also warned of further mismanagement if the BJP gains control of the Delhi government. “If by mistake, Delhiites give them (BJP) charge of Delhi government, the condition of hospitals, power, and water supply will become the same as the law and order situation in Delhi,” the chief minister added.

In response, BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi hit back at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Atishi, calling her a “puppet CM” and accusing her of politicising a sensitive issue for political mileage.

Khalistani link under investigation

The Delhi Police, assisted by multiple security agencies, has launched a probe to uncover the motive behind the blast. According to police sources, one line of inquiry is a possible connection to pro-Khalistani elements. PTI reported that officials are investigating whether the explosion was retaliation for recent actions allegedly taken by Indian agencies against separatist groups.

A senior police officer confirmed that the device, identified as an improvised explosive device (IED), was likely set up late Saturday night. It was controlled either remotely or via a timer and detonated between 7:35 and 7:40 am Sunday. While it caused structural damage to the school and nearby properties, it did not contain shrapnel, suggesting the intent may have been to send a message rather than cause mass casualties.

Later on Sunday, a Telegram post by a group calling itself ‘Justice League India’ began circulating on social media. 

The post featured a clip of the blast, overlaid with the slogan “Khalistan Zindabad.” 

The group warned Indian authorities, saying, “If Indian coward agency and their master think they can hire filthy goons to target our members to silence our voice, then they live in fools' world. They can't imagine how close we are to them and how capable we are to strike anytime #KhalistanZindabad #JLI.”

The post has intensified fears that the blast may be linked to extremist groups attempting to make a statement.