13 proves unlucky again

Intelligence sources say choice of date and modus operandi point towards possible Indian Mujahideen involvementNational Investigative Agency and Intelligence Bureau have been keeping a close watch on areas of Old Delhi for the past few days

Though the probe is in its initial stages, sources in intelligence agencies suggest that a regrouped and rejuvenated Indian Mujahideen (IM) could be behind the serial blasts in Mumbai. Interestingly, be it September 13, 2008 (Delhi) or May 13, 2008 (Jaipur), terrorists have made it a point to strike on the 13th day of the month.

"There is evidence (in about half-a-dozen cases they chose the 13th day of the month to carry out attacks) and terrorists have even pointed it out in their e-mails that they will target cities on that day and even then the security agencies will not be able to stop them," sources said.

"There were inputs that some new modules of Indian Mujahideen might have become active in the Capital and other cities after the neutralisation of their faction led by Atif Ameen in the Batla House encounter in 2008," they added.

Intelligence Bureau sources, meanwhile, said that they had shared the information with all states recently of possibility of bomb blasts. "We had issued an alert stating that terrorists may target 'cities' of India," an IB official said.u00a0

In full force: Security was beefed up in the city following the blasts in
Mumbai. Vehicles were being checked and senior police officials were
out on the streets inspecting preparations. Pic/Subhash Barolia

According to reports, terrorists have recently started using words like 'cities' instead of Capital in their conversation, which are intercepted and the same are shared with all states. Sources say that Delhi too could be targeted and that some important installations in the city are already on the radar of unscrupulous elements.

"Delhi has always been their prime target," sources said. Meanwhile, after the serial blasts in Mumbai, Delhi was put on red alert and commissioner of police BK Gupta announced that he will personally conduct patrolling in the night.A senior police official said top officers were reviewing the security situation in the city.

"A tight security apparatus has been put in place. Senior officials are on the streets monitoring the security scenario. Police personnel have been deployed across the city," a senior police official said. He also said that police personnel have been deployed at public places like malls, cinema halls, parks, popular hangouts, ISBT and railway station.

Speaking to MiD DAY, the public relations officer of Delhi police Rajan Bhagat said that anti-terrorist measures are being taken after Mumbai's incident and checking across the city has been strengthened.

"We are carrying out checks at all important installations across the Capital," Bhagat said. Meanwhile, home minister P Chidambaram in a press briefing in the Capital said, "The blasts occurred at about 6.45 pm and there is confirmation of about 10 deaths. 54 people have been taken to hospital with injuries. The number of injuries could be higher; the death toll could also rise."

"This was a coordinated attack by terrorists. Mumbai Police, medical services and fire services have been on the scene since about 7.15 pm," he added.u00a0 Chidambaram also said that National Security Guard, NSG which has a hub in Mumbai is on a stand-by and a CFSL team with personnel from Delhi and Hyderabad are being flown on a special aircraft to Mumbai for probe. "The city is on an alert and we appeal to people to remain calm," he said.u00a0