Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday delivered one of his strongest warnings yet to the perpetrators of the Delhi car bombing, declaring that the conspirators would be traced “even from the depths of the netherworld (patal)” and dealt with the strictest punishment under Indian law. 

Speaking at the 32nd meeting of the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) in Haryana, Shah said the government would not rest until every individual connected to the November 10 blast near the Red Fort metro station—an attack that claimed 15 lives—is brought to justice. 

“We will hunt down the culprits of the Delhi bomb blast even from the depths of the netherworld (patal) and ensure they receive the strictest possible punishment,” he said.

The Union cabinet had last week designated the explosion a “heinous terror attack”, stressing that the government intends to send a global message that such acts will not be tolerated.

“Punishment given to the perpetrators of the Delhi terror attack will send a message to the world that no one should ever dare to even think of such an attack in our country,” Shah reiterated.

The investigation saw a significant breakthrough on Monday with the NIA arresting another key conspirator, Jasir Bilal Wani alias Danish, a resident of Kashmir. Wani is believed to have been closely linked to the terrorist who was driving the explosive-laden car.

The anti-terror agency has so far examined 73 witnesses, including injured survivors, and continues to coordinate with the Delhi Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Haryana Police, Uttar Pradesh Police, and multiple central agencies. The effort, officials said, is aimed at mapping the larger conspiracy and dismantling the entire network behind the attack.