NIA probing all angles: Sushil Kumar Shinde Rahi Gaikwad With infiltration, naxal threat and communal strife across the country, the probe into terror strikes have become more complex and the National Investigation Agency would be examining all angles in the serial bomb blasts at Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said after visiting the Mahabodhi temple on Wednesday. He remained non-committal regarding queries on the failure to avert the attack despite prior intelligence. “We are watchful. There are so many complex problems. There is infiltration from the other countries, naxalism and local communal disturbances. We have to look at all angles,” he said. Mr. Shinde visited the temple along with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former Union Minister Ambika Soni. Fielding questions on the investigation, Mr. Shinde said, “Weare investigating all angles. It would be inappropriate to arrest anyone in a hurry. We have to get to the bottom of the case and arrest the actual perpetrators. We are conducting a detailed probe. Around three to four persons anda car are suspected to be involvedin this operation.” The 13 bombs planted in Bodh Gaya were placed post midnight, a few hours before ten of them exploded on Sunday, he said. “Ten of the 13 bombs exploded. We have visited all the locations where the explosions took place. The small gas cylinders of 2-3 kg were packed with nails and ball bearings. They were fitted with detonators and timers. The explosions took place between 5 and 6 a.m. which means the bombs were placed sometime after midnight,” Mr. Shinde said. Upon a request by the Bihar government, the Centre has handed over the blast probe to the National Investigation agency.Mr. Shinde said the government immediately deployed the NIA andthe NSG (National Security Guard) to work with the local police. However, bad weather conditionsdelayed their arrival. Asked if intelligence alerts were ignored, Mr. Shinde said, “After the Home Ministry gave information to the State government last October, the Delhi police too gave inputs. On July 3, the Deputy Inspector General held a security review meeting here with the local administration. A detailed inquiry will be conducted.” Following the Bihar government’s request for Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) cover, Mr. Shinde said the Centre would nowthink over providing CISF cover for religious sites. “The government has not yet provided security for religious places. The Bihar government requested CISF cover at the templeafter the blasts. Similar requests were made in the past for the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi and the Jama Masjid. We will think about this matter,” he said. Condemning Sunday’s attacks, Mr. Shinde expressed concern over such incidents. “We strongly condemn the bomb blasts in the sacred land of Lord Buddha. Blast in peaceful the land of Gaya, from where the message of peace was sent to the entire world, is a big cause for concern.” Mr. Shinde met NIA officials at the temple to take stock of the ongoing investigation. Ms. Gandhiwho accompanied the Home Minister refrained from making any statement on the issue.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 10:56:47 +0000
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