At least nine people were killed and more than 45 others injured in a blast outside the Delhi High Court in the Indian capital Wednesday, a senior Home Ministry official said.

"Nine people have been killed while 45 people have been admitted to a hospital, some with serious injuries. The blast was of medium to high intensity and created a deep crater at the site of explosion at the reception area between Gate No. 4 and 5 of the Delhi High Court. The blast occurred around 1015 a.m.," Indian Home Secretary R.K. Singh told the media.

A senior police official said that the bomb was kept in a suitcase near a counter where some 100 to 200 people were queuing up to get passes for entry into the court complex.

"We are investigating how the brief case was placed there as it is not a controlled area. There were lots of people," said Special Commissioner Dharmendra Kumar.

Delhi Police Commissioner B.K. Singh has rushed to the spot which has been evacuated as local TV channels aired footage of commandos taking over the building complex located near the iconic India Gate in central Delhi.

According to TV channels, Delhi Police suspect use of potassium nitrate in the blast.

In May this year, a blast took place in a parking lot near the cafeteria of the High Court. At that time, no body was injured.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet