Marco Rubio calls Red Fort bombing a ‘terrorist attack’, commends India’s ‘very professional’ investigation.
Washington/New Delhi: As India deepened its probe into the Delhi car blast that killed at least 13 people and wounded over 20, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered help in the investigation, calling the Red Fort bombing a “terrorist attack” and commending India’s “very professional” investigation.
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the conspirators of the Delhi blast will not be spared as the probe agencies will get to the bottom of the case, the US administration also offered probe assistance.
“Clearly, it was a terrorist attack. It was a car loaded with highly explosive materials that detonated and killed a lot of people”, Rubio said at a news conference in Hamilton, Canada. Praising India's follow-up to the attack, he said they “need to be commended; they have been very measured and cautious and very professional in how they’re carrying out this investigation”.
“They’re doing a very good job of carrying out an investigation,” he said, adding, “and I think when they have facts, they’ll release those facts”. The US has offered to help with the probe, “but I think they’re very capable in these investigations (and) they don’t need our help,” he said.
India’s union cabinet declared it a terrorist attack, saying in a resolution, “The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion”.
"The cabinet directs that the investigation into the incident be pursued with the utmost urgency and professionalism so that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay,” the resolution added.
India to ensure 'exemplary punishment' for perpetrators
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday that everyone responsible for this bomb blast, at any level, shall be brought before a court of law and face exemplary punishment. Shah said, “This is a firm resolution of the government that exemplary punishment is handed down to the culprits to send a strong global message.”
He said that the action that will be taken against the accused will reflect the country’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.
Thirty-two cars - including a Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Maruti Swift Dzire, and a Ford EcoSport - were being prepped to carry explosive materials and/or deliver bombs, sources close to the Delhi Red Fort blast investigation told NDTV. The cars - including the Hyundai i20 that exploded Monday (November 10) evening - were meant to be part of a serial 'revenge' attack targeting multiple locations, including six in Delhi on December 6.
Global leaders condemn Delhi blast
Several world leaders condemned the deadly terror attack near the Red Fort Metro Station in Delhi. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan expressed solidarity with India. “Singapore strongly condemns the terror incident involving a car explosion near New Delhi’s Red Fort on 10 Nov. Heartfelt condolences to the families of victims. Singapore stands in solidarity with India in this difficult time,” Balakrishnan posted on X.
South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun offered heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the horrific attack. Additionally, Irish Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, extended support to India, condemning terrorism in all forms. “Heartfelt condolences to the victims and speedy recovery to those injured in the Delhi terror attacks. Terrorism has no place in society. We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism and stand with the Indian people,” Kelly posted on X.
Al-Falah University under scanner
The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) issued a show-cause notice to Al-Falah University in Haryana’s Faridabad, days after it was revealed that the occupant of the car that exploded near Red Fort was a junior doctor there. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) also suspended the membership of Al-Falah University, with immediate effect.
The university was thrust into the national spotlight after it was revealed that Dr Umar Un Nabi, the primary suspect in the November 10 blast, was associated with this college along with other accused Dr Muzammil Ganaie, and Dr Shaheen Shahid.
Apart from Umar Nabi, who is said to be the occupant of the car that exploded, two other doctors from the university were arrested by authorities in connection with the case. However, the university has distanced itself from those accused of being part of the “Faridabad terror module”.
