Police on the site of one blast (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

    NEW DELHI, Oct. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- Powerful blasts rocked busy shopping centers in Indian capital New Delhi Saturday, three days ahead of the Diwali festival, killing "between 10 and 15 people" and injuring over 50, police and eyewitnesses said.

    The first blast was reported at around 5:40 p.m. (local time) from the crowded Paharganj area, popular with foreign backpackers, and among the most congested areas in central Delhi close to the New Delhi Railway Station.

    The other explosion occurred soon after in Sarojini Nagar, another busy shopping area in south Delhi, popular among the middle class and even foreigners.

    Immediately after this, there were reports of similar blasts from a few other areas, including Govindpuri area in south Delhi.

    Local senior official said "Between 10 and 15 people have died in three blasts in Delhi." He said there was a possibility the toll may rise even as he estimated the injured at between 50 and 70.

    He did not rule out the hand of terrorists, saying it was the "handiwork of those who were backed by anti-India elements."

    Police and fire brigade personnel immediately rushed to the blast spots for relief and rescue operations. The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Enditem