'Blank firing' near Israeli homes in Delhi

New Delhi, July 6 (IANS) An unidentified person opened 'blank fire' early Sunday in a south Delhi area where many foreigners including Israelis live but it was not clear if there was an intended target.

Police said the incident happened around 2 a.m. near the Delhi Public School in Vasant Vihar.

A "blank fire" is caused by a weapon used often in races. The firing causes a loud noise, accompanied by smoke, but no cartridge is involved.

A police team rushed to the spot but the person who fired the blank shot had fled. A police officer told IANS: "It seems to be a case of mischief to create panic in the area."

Vasant Vihar is a posh area popular with foreign diplomats posted in New Delhi. Many Israeli families, including those of diplomats, also live there.

The Israeli embassy underplayed any possible Israeli link to the incident.

"Many foreign diplomats live in the area including Israel diplomats and their families. Delhi Police are probing the matter," embassy spokesperson Ohad Horsandi told IANS.

According to a police officer, around 6,000 Israelis live in the capital.