High alert in Delhi following Andhra mosque blast

NEW DELHI: A high alert was sounded in the capital on Friday evening following a blast in Hyderabad's Mecca Masjid that killed at least five people, with security beefed up at all sensitive points, especially the Jama Masjid and the Metro stations.

"An alert has been sounded in the wake of the blast in Hyderabad," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said.

Additional police personnel have been deployed along with bomb disposal squads at Delhi Metro stations, at railway stations and bus terminals.

"An extra security cover has been extended to all the religious places, including the Jama Masjid, Akashardham and Iskcon temples," Bhagat added.

Delhi Police sleuths have put road barricades at various intersections and sniffer dogs have been deployed at railway stations. Metal detectors are in place at entry points in busy markets and security agencies are keeping a close watch over all VIP areas.

At least five people were killed and 16 injured when a blast went off near a water tank in the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad just after the Friday prayers.