From Lawrence Bishnoi to Khalistanis: Here are the latest developments in the recent Delhi school blast case

The explosion that rocked Rohini Sector 14 in Delhi on Sunday morning left residents startled and authorities scrambling for answers. Initially dismissed as either an earthquake or a gas cylinder blast, the incident has now taken on a more sinister angle, with multiple investigations pointing to a potential terrorist plot. Here’s everything we know so far, from local residents' accounts to emerging links with gangsters and pro-Khalistani groups.

The incident

Around early morning on Sunday, the normally quiet B Block of Rohini Sector 14 was jolted awake by a loud explosion. Yash, a 20-year-old BTech student who lives in the area, recalled: “I was sleeping when a loud noise shook my windows and bed... I thought it was an earthquake, but when I saw thick smoke coming out, I couldn't see for 10-15 minutes."

Several residents initially suspected a gas cylinder explosion due to the powerful sound and rising smoke. “There’s a court and a Delhi Police unit nearby. This area is highly secure, yet the blast happened here,” said Shashank Goswami, an advocate who rushed outside after hearing the noise. Fortunately, since it was a Sunday, schools and food joints in the vicinity — often bustling with people — were closed, avoiding a potential disaster.

Khalistani group claims responsibility

Later that day, a message appeared on a Telegram group linked to the banned Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), claiming responsibility for the explosion. The group, headed by Ranjeet Singh Neeta, who is believed to be in Pakistan, also posted CCTV footage of the blast. Authorities, however, are treating the claim with caution.

“This could be a way of sending a message to CRPF sleuths. It could also be a dry run for a bigger blast during the ongoing festive season,” an investigator told the media.

The Delhi Police’s investigation is focusing on possible terror angles. The explosive device is suspected to have been made with hydrogen peroxide and a chlorate-based chemical, based on the white residue found at the site. The blast caused significant damage, shattering shop windows and dislodging metal sign boards up to 2 km away. According to police sources, the unusual composition of the explosive suggests the use of a new mechanism.

No ball bearings, metal shrapnel, or electronic devices were found at the scene, which suggests the attack was not designed to cause casualties but to send a clear message.

Lawrence Bishnoi connection?

As investigations progressed, the name of Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster, also surfaced. A cryptic message appeared on the Telegram group Justice League India, hinting at the Bishnoi gang. This group, which had not been previously linked to any major terror incidents, issued a veiled threat to Indian security agencies, warning that the families of officials could be the next target. Investigators are exploring whether this was an intentional misdirection or a genuine threat.

The specific timing and location of the blast, outside the CRPF school, have led investigators to believe that it was more of a warning than a full-scale attack. A police officer pointed out to the media: “If the explosive had been placed on the other side of the road, there would have been casualties.”

Many believe this could have been a “dry run” to test the readiness of Indian security forces or to send a message to authorities about their reach. One senior police official mentioned that the explosive's design bore similarities to IEDs used in Jammu and Kashmir, reinforcing the possibility of a broader terrorist connection.

Delhi Police has registered a case under multiple sections, including the Explosives Act, and the investigation is now in full swing. CCTV footage of a suspect spotted near the blast site the night before has also surfaced, giving authorities a lead. Meanwhile, police have written to Telegram to gain more information about the group behind the messages. With the festive season underway, security has been tightened across the city as officials work to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy behind the explosion.

(With inputs from agencies)