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 labeled a "terrorist incident," was registered in the suspect's name, who is reportedly a resident of Indian-administered Kashmir.
The explosion took place near a metro station close to the Red Fort, one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks. Authorities alleged that the arrested individual conspired with the suspected suicide bomber.
The NIA has seized another vehicle allegedly belonging to the suicide bomber for further investigation and has already interrogated 73 witnesses, including those injured in the blast.
The incident marked the first significant explosion in the heavily secured city since 2011. Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the blast occurred outside the historic fort at approximately 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT) as a slow-moving vehicle stopped at a busy traffic signal before detonating.
Home Minister Shah confirmed that the explosion involved a white Hyundai i20. Photographs from the scene showed the wreckage of the exploded vehicle amidst other damaged vehicles, including autorickshaws.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called the incident a "conspiracy" and assured that those responsible, including their collaborators, would face justice. In reaction, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed that the news was extremely heartbreaking.
Police are currently investigating potential links to the recent arrests of seven men in Indian-administered Kashmir and are also probing a connection to the discovery of 2,900 kg of explosives in a Delhi suburb.
The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 17th Century, attracts thousands of tourists daily and is often used as a backdrop for the Prime Minister's annual Independence Day speeches.
