Thrissur: Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi on Tuesday described the explosion in New Delhi as “a wound on the nation’s integrity,” urging calm and unity amid growing concerns over the terror attack.

Speaking to the media in Thrissur, Gopi said the blast should be seen as an attempt to disrupt peace, secularism, and social harmony in the country.

“Even in a nation where secularism and love prevail, there are attempts to destroy that harmony. Citizens must exercise restraint and not allow discord to spread. Instead, we should strengthen our brotherhood and stand united,” he said.

The minister assured that the central government’s investigation would be thorough, targeting everyone involved in the incident, from the direct perpetrators to those supporting or harbouring them.

“The investigation will reach every person and force behind this act, wherever they may be. There will be strict action,” Gopi asserted.

He added that while the explosions occurred far from Kerala, they could not be seen as a distant tragedy.

“People are yet to recover from the shock and fear caused by the blast," he added, declining to comment on Kerala's political matters, stating that "this is not the right moment.”

Meanwhile, Delhi Police confirmed the probe is being conducted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), treating the incident as a terror strike. CCTV footage shows a white Hyundai i20, registered in Haryana (HR 26 CE 7674), parked near Sunehri Masjid close to the Red Fort for over three hours before the blast at 6:52 pm.

The visuals indicate the car entered the area at 3:18 pm and left at 6:48 pm, just minutes before the explosion. The driver’s face is initially visible, though later footage shows another individual with a covered face behind the wheel. Delhi Police said the car had entered the city via the Badalpur border, and its subsequent movements remain under investigation.

IANS