No headway in Jama Masjid probe

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No headway has been made in the investigations into the firing incident near Jama Masjid though the Delhi police on Monday claimed that they have some leads to solve the case.

Investigators have questioned about 30 people following Sunday’s incidents of firing at a Taiwanese media crew and a car catching fire after a "crudely-circuited" device went off.

Two Taiwanese nationals were injured in the firing. "We have some leads. We are working on it. We are confident of cracking the case," a senior police official said.

The police also said that a person residing in Vasant Kunj, who was picked up for questioning in connection with the incidents, was cleared of any suspicion. "A local gave a registration number of a motorcycle claiming that the two gunmen opened fire and escaped in the two wheeler. After verification, we have ruled out his role in the incident," a senior police official said.

The Delhi police, however, is ruling out the role of any organised terror group but intelligence experts insist that it could be the handiwork of outlawed Indian Mujahideen, which was behind a series of blasts in several cities, including Delhi.

The Indian Mujahideen had claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened terror strikes during the Games saying the incident was to coincide with the second anniversary of Batla House encounter.

The city police suspect that disgruntled youths or a gang of local criminals could be behind the incidents. The motive appears to be to scare people ahead of the Commonwealth Games, they said, adding the attacks do not show signs of involvement of terrorist outfits like Indian Mujahideen.

Security was stepped up in the city following the incident and armed policemen and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the city to keep a strict vigil.

As a precautionary measure, parking outside Commonwealth Games venues and 470 iconic buildings have been banned and intensive checkings have begun at these places.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Monday visited LNJP hospital to enquire about the health condition of the two Taiwanese nationals injured in the attack. Amit Banerjee, Medical Superintendent of LNJP Hospital, said both the patients were out of danger.