Forensic analysis of two explosions in Delhi’s Rohini — one outside the CRPF school on October 20 and another in the Prashant Vihar area on November 28 — has revealed the presence of flammable and explosive chemicals at both sites. However, there has been no breakthrough in either case so far.
The first blast occurred around 7.47 am on October 20, near the CRPF School in Sector 14, Rohini. The explosion, initially believed to be caused by a crude bomb, damaged a school wall and shattered the windows of a nearby parked car. Police, forensic teams, and the fire brigade rushed to the spot. Early indications from forensic experts pointed to traces of hydrogen peroxide and electrical wires at the site.
A few weeks ago, Police received a report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Rohini. “Experts had collected multiple samples from the spot and sent 27 sealed parcels for analysis,” said a senior officer. “The FSL detected traces of dibenzoyl peroxide, dibenzoyl disulfide, benzoic acid, ammonium nitrate, and chloride—all of which are known to be combustible and can be used as explosive substances.”
Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from the area and identified around 10 individuals present before the explosion. One of them, a local resident, . “He admitted to discarding lit cigarette butts at the site. Based on this, we suspect the explosion was triggered by a cigarette igniting industrial waste dumped in the garbage,” said the officer.
The area where the explosion occurred is commonly used for dumping waste and includes a public urinal. “Preliminary findings suggest that industrial chemicals in the trash may have ignited due to the discarded cigarette. There is no evidence of foul play or a terror link at this stage. Still, the Delhi Police Headquarters has instructed the local police to continue their investigation,” the officer added.
Forty days later, a second, low-intensity blast took place in Prashant Vihar, barely 500 metres from the CRPF school. The explosion occurred in front of a sweet shop near a park, injuring one person.
Another forensic report—this one from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) under the Ministry of Home Affairs—was also submitted recently. “The samples were tested using physical and chemical methods, including GC-MS techniques. The analysis confirmed the presence of benzoyl peroxide, a flammable compound that can ignite or explode when exposed to flame, heat, or friction,” the officer said.
Investigations into the second blast revealed that the injured man, Chetan Kumar (27), a tempo driver, had been smoking near a garbage dump just before the explosion. “He was sitting in his tempo and smoking bidis. He discarded three and then a fourth, which appears to have triggered the blast. He sustained minor injuries,” said the officer.
While the chemicals involved in both blasts are industrial in nature and capable of ignition, police have found no indication so far of deliberate sabotage or terror activity.
Prior to this, Manral had extensively reported on city-based crime stories along with that he also covered the anti-corruption branch of the Delhi government for a decade. He is known for his knack for News and a detailed understanding of stories. He also worked with Mail Today as a senior correspondent for eleven months. He has also worked with The Pioneer for two years where he was exclusively covering crime beat.
During his initial days of the career he also worked with The Statesman newspaper in the national capital, where he was entrusted with beats like crime, education, and the Delhi Jal Board. A graduate in Mass Communication, Manral is always in search of stories that impact lives.
