A man has been arrested in connection with a deadly car bomb attack that killed eight people and wounded 20 others in Delhi last week, authorities have said.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) reported that the vehicle used in the attack was registered in the arrested suspect's name, leading to accusations of conspiracy with the alleged suicide bomber. The suspect is reportedly a resident of Indian-administered Kashmir.
The explosion occurred near a metro station close to the Red Fort, a significant landmark in Delhi.
The NIA has also seized another vehicle purportedly linked to the suicide bomber for further examination. As part of their investigation, they have interrogated 73 witnesses, including individuals who were injured during the blast.
This incident marks the first explosion in Delhi's highly secured environment since 2011.
The attack took place on Monday evening at 18:52 local time (13:22 GMT) when a slowly moving vehicle stopped at a busy intersection before detonating.
Immediately following the blast, Home Minister Shah confirmed it involved a white Hyundai i20.
Footage from the scene displayed remnants of a charred white vehicle alongside other damaged cars, including an autorickshaw and cycle rickshaws.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the incident a 'conspiracy' and assured that the government would bring those responsible, including their accomplices and sponsors, to justice.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed that the news was "extremely heartbreaking".
On Thursday, police revealed they were investigating potential links to the recent arrests of seven men in Indian-administered Kashmir, as well as connections to a prior seizure of 2,900kg of explosives in a nearby suburb.
The Red Fort, which attracts thousands of tourists daily, was constructed in the 17th Century. Indian prime ministers utilize the Mughal fortress as a backdrop for their annual Independence Day speeches.
