Modi calls deadly Delhi blast 'conspiracy'

NEW DELHI:

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called a deadly car explosion in the heart of the capital a "conspiracy", vowing those responsible will face justice.

Police are yet to give exact details of what caused Monday's incident near the historic Red Fort, one of India's most well-known landmarks, and the site of the prime minister's annual Independence Day speech.

The blast killed at least eight people, and 19 others were injured when flames ripped through several vehicles.

"I assure everyone that the agencies will get to the bottom of the entire conspiracy," Modi said, in a speech during a state visit to neighbouring Bhutan, without giving further details. "All those involved will be brought to justice."

Indian authorities have stopped short of calling the blast an attack, saying they were awaiting forensic analysis. But on Tuesday, the home affairs ministry said that India's anti-terrorism force, the National Investigation Agency, are leading the probe.