Crucial evidence lost as Delhi Police wash blast site

New Delhi: Delhi Police in all likelihood have destroyed forensic evidence that could have helped in gathering information about Saturday's blast in Mehrauli apparently due to lack of knowledge about forensic science.

Even before the bomb experts from central security agencies and National Security Guards (NSG) visited the spot, Delhi Police personnel removed the debris and washed the blood stains from the blast site.

Senior police officials oversaw the work as residents cleaned the site with a bathroom mop and some card boards.

When asked whether such action would destroy crucial evidence even before the experts from NSG arrives, an official said, "We have already collected whatever was there. Moreover, even when we have cleaned the place, we have made sure that all materials are collected in the gunny bag."

Some residents were showing double edged nails which they claim were collected from the blast site.

It was only later when the NSG team arrived, that the area was cordoned off and residents and media persons were asked to move away.

Meanwhile, police officials Ammonium Nitrate in little quantity alongwith Sulphar and Potassium was used in Saturday's blast in Mehrauli area that killed a boy and left nearly two dozen people injured.

Officials said loosely packed Ammonium Nitrate with one-and-a-half inch nails, which acted as shrapnels leading to injuries, was used in the blast with quantity of Sulphur used to create the dark smoke.

Potassium was used as the triggering mechanism as this material burns due to friction and contact with air.

The packing of explosive was very loose thus making it a low-intensity explosion.

Ammonium Nitrate was used in the five serial blasts that shook the national capital on September 13, leaving 24 people dead and many others injured.

In order to restrict sale of Ammonium Nitrate, used extensively by terror groups to strike in various parts of the country, the government had "in-principle" approved for amendment of the Explosives Substances Act to include it.

The in-principle approval was given at a special Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week.

The chemical was believed to have been used in recent series of explosions in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Delhi and in many earlier blasts including the serial train blasts in Mumbai, Malegaon and Mecca Masjid blasts.

Security agencies have long been pressing for bringing a strong controlling regime to check misuse of the chemical especially in Naxal-affected states.