India’s capital hit by deadliest attack in three years

A regular weekday turned into a nightmare for people at New Delhi’s high court this morning.

As they were lined up for security checks, a briefcase left in the reception area suddenly blew up – killing at least eleven people and wounding dozens more.
It happened during one of the busiest times at Delhi’s high court. It was “public interest litigation” day, when members of the public go to the court to present their cases to the judges.

Choas followed the explosion. People were running around; some helping the injured and loading bodies into vans and trucks.

It’s estimated that more than 40 people were wounded in this attack.
Some are saying this attack was part of a plan that’s been in the works for months.
In may, a bomb went off just outside the same building, but no one was hurt. That’s led some people to believe the first attack, may have been a rehearsal for today’s deadly assault.

New Delhi police have spoken to witnesses and have released two sketches of the men believed to be a part of the terror plot. One is believed to be in his 50s; the other in his mid-20s.

Police say they may also release a sketch of a third man, and they’re trying to determine if one of the people involved is among the wounded.

An Al Qaeda-linked extremist group with bases in Pakistan and Bangladesh has claimed responsibility, but investigators say it’s too early to name any group as suspects.
The attack comes just weeks after another blast in Mumbai that killed 24 people. On July 13th, a string of bombs exploded in *three* busy mumbai neighbourhoods.
Canada has offered to help with the investigation, if needed. So far no arrests have been made.

These attacks have renewed concerns about india’s vulnerability to terrorism and some critics say security experts should have been better prepared, with the anniversary of 9/11 just a few days away.
And if the attack in New Delhi weren’t enough to deal with today, a small earthquake hit the capital – measuring 4.2. The quake shook buildings and most likely nerves, but no damage or injuries were reported.
Video: Taz Boga reports: