Two Blasts in 40 Days Raise Alarm, But Forensics Suggest Accidental Triggers
Two low-intensity explosions that rocked Delhi’s Rohini area — one near a CRPF school and the other in Prashant Vihar — were caused by the ignition of flammable chemicals, according to recent forensic reports. While no breakthrough has been achieved so far, the findings have ruled out terrorism and point toward accidental ignition of industrial waste.
First Blast Outside CRPF School: October 20
The first explosion occurred on the morning of October 20 near the CRPF School in Sector 14, Rohini. The blast damaged a boundary wall and shattered windows of a parked vehicle. Initial suspicions pointed to a crude bomb, prompting an immediate response from Delhi Police, fire services, and forensic experts.
According to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Rohini, samples collected from the scene showed the presence of dibenzoyl peroxide, dibenzoyl disulfide, benzoic acid, ammonium nitrate, and chloride—all recognized as combustible substances.
Discarded Cigarette Likely the Trigger
CCTV footage from the vicinity revealed about 10 individuals near the scene before the blast. One of them, a resident walking his dog, admitted to discarding a lit cigarette in the area used for dumping industrial waste. Investigators now believe the explosion may have been unintentionally triggered by the cigarette igniting the chemical waste.
Second Blast: Prashant Vihar Incident on November 28
A second, low-intensity explosion occurred 40 days later, about 500 metres away, near a sweet shop in Prashant Vihar. The blast injured Chetan Kumar (27), a tempo driver who had been smoking bidis near a garbage dump. Police suspect a similar cause: a discarded bidi setting off benzoyl peroxide present in the waste.
The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, confirmed the presence of benzoyl peroxide, a compound known to ignite or explode upon contact with heat or friction.
No Evidence of Sabotage or Terrorism
Despite the industrial nature of the chemicals involved, Delhi Police have found no links to terrorism or deliberate sabotage. Both incidents appear to stem from poor waste disposal practices and accidental ignition by cigarettes.
Authorities are urging stricter monitoring of industrial waste disposal and public smoking near dump sites. While investigations are still ongoing, police continue to rule out any organized threat behind the explosions.
