Bodh Gaya bombings: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox civilian attack
{{Infobox civilian attack
| title       = Bodh Gaya bombings
| title           = Bodh Gaya bombings
| partof     =
| partof           =  
| image       = Bodhgaya 3639641913 f4c5f73689 t.jpg
| image           = Bodhgaya 3639641913 f4c5f73689 t.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size       =  
| alt         =
| alt             =  
| caption     = [[Bodhi Tree]] near the [[Mahabodhi Temple]]; where [[Gautama Buddha]] is said to have attained enlightenment 
| caption         = Bodhi Tree near the Mahabodhi Temple.
| map         = {{Location map |India Bihar|label = Bodh Gaya, Bihar |position = right |lat = 24.695102 |long = 84.991275 |caption = Location of Bodh Gaya in Bihar. |float = none |width = 225|border=none}}
| map             = {{Location map |India Bihar|label = Bodh Gaya, Bihar |position = right |lat = 24.695102 |long = 84.991275 |caption = Location of Bodh Gaya in Bihar. |float = none |width = 220|border=none}}
| map_size   =
| map_size         =  
| map_alt     =
| map_alt         =  
| map_caption =
| map_caption     =  
| location   = [[Mahabodhi Temple]], [[Bodh Gaya]], [[India]]
| location         = [[Mahabodhi Temple]], [[Bodh Gaya]]
| target     =
| target           =  
| coordinates =
| coordinates     =  
| date       = 7 July 2013
| date             = 7 July 2013
| time       = 5:30 - 6:00
| time             = 05:30–06:00
| timezone   = IST
| timezone         = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| type       = [[Bombing]]s
| type             = [[Bombing]]
| fatalities =
| fatalities       =  
| injuries   = 5
| injuries         = 5
| victims     = <!-- or | victim      = -->
| victims         = <!-- or | victim      = -->
| perps       = <!-- or | perp        = -->
| perps           = <!-- or | perp        = -->
| perpetrators=<!-- or | perpetrator = -->
| perpetrators     = <!-- or | perpetrator = -->
| susperps    = [[Indian Mujahideen]]<br>[[Communist Party of India (Maoist)]]
| weapons          = [[Improvised explosive device]]<ref name=Gupta>{{cite news|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|title=Indian Mujahideen Bodh Gaya blasts tweet traced to Pakistan|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Bihar/Indian-Mujahideen-Bodh-Gaya-blasts-tweet-traced-to-Pakistan/Article1-1090628.aspx|access-date=10 July 2013|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=11 July 2013|first2=Ahuja|last2=Rajesh|agency=HT Media Limited|location=New Delhi}}</ref> and cylinder bombs
| weapons = Crude bombs and cylinder bombs
| numparts         = <!-- or | numpart    = -->
| numparts   = <!-- or | numpart    = -->
| dfens           = <!-- or | dfen        = -->
| dfens       = <!-- or | dfen        = -->
| convicted        = {{Unbulleted list|Umer Siddiqui|Azaharuddin Qureshi|Imtiyaz Ansari alias Alam|Haider Ali alias Black Beauty|Mujibullah Ansari}}<ref name="headlinestoday.org">{{cite news |title=Five sentenced to life imprisonment in Bodh Gaya serial blasts case |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/5-sententenced-to-life-in-bodh-gaya-serial-blast-case/article24054772.ece/ |access-date=2 June 2018 |agency=Headlines Today}}</ref>
| motive     =  
| verdict          = [[Life Imprisonment]] and fine
| convictions      = criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity among different groups on grounds of religion, sect and place of birth
| motive           =  
}}
}}
On July 7, 2013, nine [[bomb]]s [[explosion|exploded]] in and around the [[Mahabodhi Temple]] complex. The temple is a [[UNESCO]] [[World heritage site]] in [[Bodh Gaya, India]]. Five people, including two [[monk]]s, were injured by the blasts. There were many other devices found but did not explode. These were diffused when found.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/5-injured-in-multiple-blasts-at-Mahabodhi-temple-in-Bodh-Gaya/articleshow/20951736.cms? | title=5 injured in multiple blasts at Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya | publisher=The Times of India | date=7 July 2013 | accessdate=7 July 2013}}</ref>  
{{Violence against Buddhists}}
On 7 July 2013 a series of ten bombs exploded in and around the [[Mahabodhi Temple]] complex, a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] in [[Bodh Gaya]], [[India]]. Five people, including two Buddhist monks, were injured by the blasts. Three other devices were defused by bomb-disposal squads at a number of locations in [[Gaya, India|Gaya]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/5-injured-in-multiple-blasts-at-Mahabodhi-temple-in-Bodh-Gaya/articleshow/20951736.cms? | title=5 injured in multiple blasts at Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya | work=The Times of India| date=7 July 2013 | access-date=7 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="13 bombs were planted">{{cite news|title=13 bombs were planted in Mahabodhi temple complex: Shinde|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-08/india/40442832_1_mahabodhi-temple-bodh-gaya-serial-blasts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712015823/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-08/india/40442832_1_mahabodhi-temple-bodh-gaya-serial-blasts|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 July 2013|access-date=14 July 2013|date=8 July 2013|author=PTI|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|agency=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.}}</ref><ref name="TIMES NOW" />


The ''[[vihara]]'' was not damaged by the attacks. The [[Bodhi Tree|holy tree]] where the [[Buddha]] is believed to have [[wikt:attain|attained]] [[enlightenment]] was not harmed.<ref name=Hindu>{{cite news|last=PTI|title=2 monks injured as terror strikes Bodh Gaya|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/2-monks-injured-as-terror-strikes-bodh-gaya/article4891094.ece?homepage=true|accessdate=7 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=July 7, 2013}}</ref> There have been arrests made. However, no [[grammatical person|party]] have claim responsibility for the attack. International figures from the [[Dalai Lama]] to [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] have expressed their concern.
The temple itself and the [[Bodhi Tree]] (where [[Gautama Buddha]] had attained enlightenment) were undamaged.<ref name=Hindu>{{cite news|title=2 monks injured as terror strikes Bodh Gaya|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/2-monks-injured-as-terror-strikes-bodh-gaya/article4891094.ece?homepage=true|access-date=7 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 July 2013}}</ref> However, the [[Archaeological Survey of India]] confirmed damage to new structures in the temple complex.<ref name="Mid DAY1">{{cite news|title=Only modern structures at temple damaged: ASI|url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/jul/110713-only-modern-structures-at-temple-damaged-asi.htm|access-date=10 July 2013|newspaper=Mid DAY|date=11 July 2013|author=Agencies|agency=Mid-Day Infomedia Ltd.|location=New Delhi}}</ref> International figures, including the [[14th Dalai Lama|Dalai Lama]], Sri Lankan President [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] and Myanmar Opposition leader [[Aung San Suu Kyi]], condemned the attacks.<ref name="Myanmar govt, Suu Kyi slam attack">{{cite news|title=Myanmar govt, Suu Kyi slam attack on Buddhist shrine|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-09/india/40468490_1_ranjan-mathai-general-min-aung-hlaing-india-and-myanmar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713124609/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-09/india/40468490_1_ranjan-mathai-general-min-aung-hlaing-india-and-myanmar|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 July 2013|access-date=13 July 2013|date=9 July 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|agency=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.}}</ref> On 4 November 2013, the [[National Investigation Agency]] announced that the [[Islamic terrorist]] group [[Indian Mujahideen]] was responsible for the bombings.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|last=Tiwari|first=Deeptiman|title=Ranchi document helps NIA crack Bodh Gaya blast case|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Ranchi-document-helps-NIA-crack-Bodh-Gaya-blast-case/articleshow/25281931.cms?|access-date=6 November 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=6 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="Patna terror cell">{{cite news|last=Gaikwad|first=Rahi|title=Patna terror cell behind Bodh Gaya strike too: NIA|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/patna-terror-cell-behind-bodh-gaya-strike-too-nia/article5322815.ece|access-date=7 November 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 November 2013|first2=Yadav|last2=Anumeha|first3=Pandey|last3=Devesh|agency=The Hindu|location=Patna, Ranchi, New Delhi}}</ref>


== References ==
On 1 June 2018, a special [[National Investigation Agency]] (NIA) court of [[Patna]] sentenced life imprisonment for 5 prime accused in this case.<ref name="headlinestoday.org"/>
{{reflist}}


==Bombings==
The Mahabodhi [[Vihara|Mahavihara]] is an important temple for [[Buddhism|Buddhists]] worldwide.<ref name=HISTORY>{{cite web|title=History of Bodhgaya|url=http://www.mahabodhimahavihara.org/bodhgaya/history.aspx|publisher=Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee|access-date=7 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716030621/http://www.mahabodhimahavihara.org/bodhgaya/history.aspx|archive-date=16 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The bombs exploded between 05:30 and 06:00 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]] (00:30–01:00 [[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]), concurrently with the [[Sutta Pitaka|Sutta chanting]] and [[meditation]] which begin the daily routine of the ''mahavihara''.<ref name=DAILY>{{cite web|title=Daily Routine of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara|url=http://www.mahabodhimahavihara.org/puja.aspx|publisher=Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee|access-date=7 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711030324/http://mahabodhimahavihara.org/puja.aspx|archive-date=11 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=EVENTS>{{cite web|title=News & Events|url=http://www.mahabodhimahavihara.org/CalenderNew.aspx|publisher=Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee|access-date=7 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/terror-strikes-bodh-gaya-serial-blasts-rock-mahabodhi-temple/articleshow/20956940.cms | title=Terror strikes Bodh Gaya, serial blasts rock Mahabodhi Temple | work=Economic Times| date=7 July 2013 | access-date=7 July 2013}}</ref>


[[Category:2013 in India]]
Four of the blasts occurred within the Mahabodhi Temple complex:<ref name=EVENTS />
[[Category:2010s explosions in Asia]]
*The first bomb exploded at 5:30 IST, during prayers in the temple [[sanctuary]].
[[Category:Buddhism]]
*About two minutes later a bomb exploded on the east side of the complex, at the Animesh Lochna Temple. Wooden bookshelves, stacked with Buddhist scriptures, were damaged by this blast.
[[Category:Crime in India]]
*A third bomb exploded on the south side of the complex, at the Butter Lamp House. This blast damaged the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) ambulance parked there.
[[Category:Islamic terrorist incidents in Asia]]
*A fourth bomb exploded on the north side of the complex, inside a small shrine; however, an image of the Buddha in the shrine was unaffected by the blast.
[[Category:Islamic terrorist incidents in the 2010s]]
[[Category:July 2013 events]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in 2013]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in Asia in the 2010s]]


Five other blasts occurred in Bodh Gaya, within a 500-metre radius of the Mahabodhi Temple complex:<ref name=EVENTS /><ref name=Yadav1>{{cite news|last=Yadav|first=Anumeha|title=Serial blasts rock Bodh Gaya temple|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/serial-blasts-rock-bodh-gaya-temple/article4891094.ece|access-date=14 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 July 2013|agency=The Hindu}}</ref>
*A small bomb exploded at an {{convert|80|ft|adj=on}} statue of the Buddha.
*Three bombs exploded at the Tergar (Tibetan)<ref name=TERGAR>{{cite web|title=Home|url=http://tergar.org/|publisher=Tergar International|access-date=7 July 2013}}</ref> Monastery. One bomb was placed behind the door of a classroom where children study Buddhism. The windows and classroom doors were damaged; there were no injuries, since the children were on holiday.<ref name=AMITABH>{{cite news|last=Srivastava|first=Amitabh|title=Strike on a non-functional day at Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple spared many lives|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bodh-gayas-mahabodhi-temple-blast-bihar-monks/1/287392.html|access-date=9 July 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=8 July 2013|first2=Bhalla|last2=Abhishek|agency=Living Media India Limited}}</ref>
*One bomb exploded on a bus parked at the Sujata bypass.


{{simple-Wikipedia}}
Indian Home Minister [[Sushilkumar Shinde]] said on 8 July that there were ten blasts, not nine as earlier reported;<ref name="NDTV">{{cite news|title=Day after terror attack, prayers for peace at Bodh Gaya|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/day-after-terror-attack-prayers-for-peace-at-bodh-gaya-389513|access-date=9 July 2013|newspaper=NDTV|date=8 July 2013|first=Sudhi|last=Sen}}</ref> it was unclear where the tenth bomb detonated.<ref name="13 bombs were planted" /><ref name="NDTV" /><ref name="DALAI LAMA1" /> Despite the blasts, BTMC monks opened the main sanctuary of the temple for routine prayer and rituals.<ref name=EVENTS />
 
Bomb-disposal squads defused three more bombs,<ref name="TIMES NOW">{{cite news|title=Third bomb recovered near Bodh Gaya|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/3rd-bomb-recovered-near-Bodh-Gaya/articleshow/4431542.cms|access-date=8 July 2013|newspaper=The Times of India, Times Now|date=7 July 2013|author=AGENCIES|agency=Times Now, TIMES GLOBAL BROADCASTING COMPANY LIMITED}}</ref> which did not explode because the analog timers in them failed. A cylinder bomb at the Tergar monastery, another bomb near the 80-foot statue of the Buddha, and a third bomb was found during the afternoon, near the Royal Residence Hotel in the village of Baiju Bigaha. The bomb-detection team separated the detonator from the power source to defuse these bombs:<ref name="IEDs lying around">{{cite news|last=Singh|first=Vijaita|title=MHA: Police in Bodhgaya left 'effective' IEDs lying around|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mha-police-in-bodhgaya-left-effective-ieds-lying-around/1145387/|access-date=24 July 2013|newspaper=The Indian Express|date=23 July 2013|agency=The Indian Express Ltd|location=New Delhi}}</ref>
 
Three pamphlets, handwritten in [[Urdu]], were reportedly found with the defused bombs. Code words in two of the pamphlets seemed to describe the locations where the bombs would be planted, while the third pamphlet included the phrase "Revenge for Iraq".<ref name=Sahni>{{cite news|last=Sahni|first=Ajai|title=Bodh Gaya: Culpable Neglect|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?286803|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=The Outlook Magazine|date=8 July 2013|agency=The Outlook Group}}</ref><ref name=Rani>{{cite news|last=Rani|first=Lata|title=Buddha’s name found on Bihar temple bomb|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/buddha-s-name-found-on-bihar-temple-bomb-1.1206651|access-date=15 July 2013|newspaper=Gulf News|date=8 July 2013|agency=Al Nisr Publishing LLC}}</ref>
 
==Investigation==
On 8 July the [[Bihar Police]] released [[CCTV]] footage of the blast sites at the Mahabodhi Temple and, based on an analysis of the footage, sketches of the suspected attackers. Sahidur and Saifur Rehman, brothers from [[Scotland]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] respectively, were identified from the sketches; both are alleged Indian Mujahideen (IM) operatives.<ref name="INDIA TODAY">{{cite news|title=Bodhgaya blasts: Police release CCTV footage, terror suspect detained |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bodhgaya-blasts-cops-release-cctv-footage-terror-suspect-detained/1/287416.html|access-date=8 July 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=8 July 2013|agency=The India Today Group|location=Bodh Gaya (Bihar)}}</ref> Another man, Vinod Mistri, was also arrested since his identity card was found at the blast site. However, Mistri claimed to have lost his card days before the blasts.<ref name="NDTV" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Bihar/One-held-for-questioning-over-Bodh-Gaya-blasts/Article1-1088947.aspx |title=One held for questioning over Bodh Gaya blasts |work=Hindustan Times|date=8 July 2013 |access-date=8 July 2013}}</ref> National Investigation Agency (NIA) released Mistri on 10 July for lack of evidence after taking his statement.<ref name="NIA releases">{{cite news|title=NIA releases two in Bodh Gaya blasts case|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nia-releases-two-in-bodh-gaya-blasts-case/article4905014.ece|access-date=11 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=11 July 2013|author=PTI|agency=The Hindu}}</ref> An alleged IM [[Twitter|tweet]] claimed responsibility for the Bodh Gaya bombings on the day of the blasts, warning that [[Mumbai]] would be the next target. The [[IP address]] was traced to [[Pakistan]], and NIA investigated the claim.<ref>{{cite news|last=Arunima|title=Alleged Indian Mujahideen tweet claiming responsibility for Mahabodhi blasts traced to Pak|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/alleged-im-tweet-claiming-responsibility-for-mahabodhi-blasts-traced-to-pakistan/405543-3-232.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712220820/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/alleged-im-tweet-claiming-responsibility-for-mahabodhi-blasts-traced-to-pakistan/405543-3-232.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 July 2013|access-date=10 July 2013|newspaper=CNN-IBN|date=10 July 2013|agency=Cable News Network|location=New Delhi}}</ref>
 
On 16 July, NIA released the sketches and a video clip of a suspect in the bombings. According to the agency, the suspect (in [[Bhikkhu]] clothing) planted four bombs in the Mahabodhi complex.<ref name="Press Release">{{cite web|title=Press Releases - Details of suspect involved in Bodh Gaya blast dated 07.07.2013|url=http://www.nia.gov.in/press/press.aspx|publisher=Government of India|access-date=17 July 2013|author=Ministry of Home Affairs|location=New Delhi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727001404/http://www.nia.gov.in/press/press.aspx|archive-date=27 July 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Tiwary>{{cite news|last=Tiwary|first=Deeptiman|title=NIA releases sketch of suspected Bodh Gaya bomber|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/NIA-releases-sketch-of-suspected-Bodh-Gaya-bomber/articleshow/21112185.cms|access-date=17 July 2013|newspaper=The Times of India|date=17 July 2013|agency=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd}}</ref> Witnesses noticed that the suspect performed [[Parikrama]] incorrectly. NIA reported that the suspected bomber intended to blow up the main statue of the Buddha, but did not enter the sanctuary because prayers had already begun.<ref name=Tiwary2>{{cite news|last=Tiwary|first=Deeptiman|title=Bomber wanted to blow up main statue|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-18/india/40655716_1_mahabodhi-temple-temple-complex-parikrama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821231154/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-18/india/40655716_1_mahabodhi-temple-temple-complex-parikrama|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 August 2013|access-date=20 July 2013|date=18 July 2013|agency=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=New Delhi}}</ref>
 
Investigators discovered that the 13 Lotus timers used in the bombings were bought at a shop in [[Guwahati]].<ref name="blasts: Guwahati">{{cite news|last=Jain|first=Bharti|title=Bodh Gaya blasts: Guwahati shop under NIA scanner|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-25/india/40792963_1_bodh-gaya-clocks-the-nia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728233434/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-25/india/40792963_1_bodh-gaya-clocks-the-nia|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 July 2013|access-date=27 July 2013|date=25 July 2013|agency=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=New Delhi}}</ref> They also ascertained that the clocks attached to the unexploded bombs were manufactured at a factory in [[Rajkot]], [[Gujarat]]. The cylinders attached to the bombs were obtained in Bihar, so NIA suspected local involvement.<ref name="bomb timers were traced">{{cite news|title=Mahabodhi blasts: Bomb timers were traced to Gujarat, bought in Guwahati|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mahabodhi-blasts-bomb-timers-were-traced-to-gujarat-bought-in-guwahati/408898-3-232.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726174247/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mahabodhi-blasts-bomb-timers-were-traced-to-gujarat-bought-in-guwahati/408898-3-232.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 July 2013|access-date=24 July 2013|newspaper=CNN-IBN|date=23 July 2013|author=Press Trust of India|agency=Cable News Network, LP LLLP}}</ref>
 
Investigators also confirmed that the bombs used in [[2013 Patna bombings|Patna]] and Bodh Gaya were nearly identical;<ref>{{cite news|last=Tiwary|first=Deeptiman|title=Patna, Bodh Gaya bombs similar; used same brand of clocks as timers|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-29/india/43494365_1_bodh-gaya-13-bombs-waqas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103183627/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-29/india/43494365_1_bodh-gaya-13-bombs-waqas|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2013|access-date=1 November 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 November 2013}}</ref> one of the many similarities investigated was in the way the bombs were planted.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Bodh Gaya bombs similar; used same">{{cite news|last=Tiwary|first=Deeptiman|title=Patna, Bodh Gaya bombs similar; used same brand of clocks as timers|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-29/india/43494365_1_bodh-gaya-13-bombs-waqas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103183627/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-29/india/43494365_1_bodh-gaya-13-bombs-waqas|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 November 2013|access-date=9 November 2013|date=29 October 2013|agency=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=New Delhi}}</ref> On 4 November 2013 NIA raided a lodge in [[Ranchi]], finding evidence of a plot to bomb pilgrimage sites. The evidence included a map of planned bombings and the coded names of the terrorists. An NIA agent confirmed that "the charts they recovered matched precisely".<ref name="Patna terror cell" />
 
The evidence confirmed that the Ranchi cell of the IM was responsible for the blasts.<ref name=":0" /> According to reports, Imtiaz Ansari placed a bomb near the Thai Monastery and Ainul (a.k.a. Tariq) placed one at the Tergar Monastery. Mujib placed bombs at four locations in Bodh Gaya.<ref name=":0" /> The six-person attacking squad allegedly worked in pairs, and was assigned to place three bombs each.<ref name="Patna blasts planned on">{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=Manish|title=Patna blasts planned on instant messaging site: investigators|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/patna-blasts-planned-on-instant-messaging-site-investigators-442145|access-date=7 November 2013|newspaper=NDTV|date=6 November 2013|first2=Ghosh|last2=Shamik|agency=NDTV Convergence Limited 2013|location=New Delhi}}</ref> NIA named the five bomb planters, who planned the attack over a year ago: Hyder Ali, Imtiaz Ansari, Tariq (a.k.a. Ainul) and Taufeeq and Mujibal Ansari. The agency suspects that Ali masterminded the plot with guidance from Tehseen Akhtar, a Ranchi-based IM operative.<ref name="Bodh Gaya bomb planters">{{cite news|last=Gaikwad|first=Rahi|title=Bodh Gaya bomb planters identified; motives and methods still under probe|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bodh-gaya-bomb-planters-identified-motives-and-methods-still-under-probe/article5322786.ece|access-date=9 November 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 November 2013|agency=The Hindu|location=Patna}}</ref> Investigators suspect that [[Riyaz Bhatkal]], a Pakistani IM leader, commanded the attack.<ref name="Patna blasts planned on instant messaging site">{{cite news|last=Kumar|first=Manish|title=Patna blasts planned on instant messaging site: investigators|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/patna-blasts-planned-on-instant-messaging-site-investigators-442145?curl=1384165506|access-date=11 November 2013|newspaper=NDTV|date=6 November 2013|first2=Ghosh|last2=Shamik|agency=NDTV Convergence Limited 2013|location=New Delhi}}</ref>
 
===Alleged warnings===
Some members of the media blamed the Bihar Police, saying the blasts resulted from a lack of security at the management and operational levels.<ref name=AMITABH /> The metal detectors at the Mahabodhi Temple were not calibrated to detect bombs,<ref name=AMITABH /> and there were only four guards on duty when the blasts occurred.<ref name=Amit>{{cite news|last=Chaturvedi|first=Amit|title=10 Developments : Bodh Gaya blasts: temple reopens, monks hold special prayers|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/cheat-sheet/bodh-gaya-blasts-temple-reopens-monks-hold-special-prayers-389434|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=NDTV India|date=8 July 2013|author2=With inputs from Agencies|agency=NDTV Convergence Limited}}</ref> A security expert said, "The decision to let the Bodh Gaya Management Committee man security inside the premises is preposterous and immature".<ref name=AMITABH /> Questioned by NIA in the US in June 2010 about the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]], [[David Headley]] claimed that [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] prepared a video on the Mahabodhi Temple and was planning to trigger blasts there.<ref name=Sahni /> The IM, responsible for the [[2012 Pune bombings]], revealed plans to attack the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya in October 2012.<ref name=AMITABH /><ref name="Delhi Police warning">{{cite news|last=Pandey|first=Devesh K|title=Delhi Police warning went in vain|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-police-warning-went-in-vain/article4892206.ece?ref=relatedNews|access-date=9 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=8 July 2013|location=New Delhi}}</ref> In April 2013 the NIA issued a list of alleged IM operatives, including Gaya-born Amir Reza Khan (alias Parvez, alias Rizwan, alias Muttaki), a resident of the village of Maheyan in Mohanpur, Gaya who was the sixth wanted member of the list.<ref name=AMITABH />
 
Reza, perpetrator of the [[2013 Bangalore blast|Bangalore]] and Pune blasts, is suspected to have provided reconnaissance on the Mahabodhi Temple site. The [[Intelligence Bureau (India)|Intelligence Bureau]] (IB) issued several warnings, one in 2012 and two in 2013.<ref name=AMITABH /> The Bihar Police were alerted in June 2013 about the targets by the IB,<ref name="Tests of faith">{{cite news|last=Raj|first=Dev|title=Tests of faith|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/India/Tests-of-faith/Article1-1092142.aspx|access-date=13 July 2013|newspaper=Hindustan Times|date=14 July 2013|first2=Farooquee|last2=Neyaz|agency=HT Media Limited|location=New Delhi}}</ref> and on 2 July the IB alerted them about the entry of two suspects into Gaya.<ref name=AMITABH /> The [[Ministry of Home Affairs (India)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] warned on 3 July that the temple was a target.<ref name="Tests of faith" /> The warnings caused a Bihar Police meeting the same day about security at the Mahabodhi Temple, but the blasts occurred within 100 hours.<ref name=AMITABH /> The treasurer of All India Bhiku Sangha, Pragya Deep, said: "The administration had prior information. There was a report of the IB. A series of security review meetings have been conducted. There have been at least five to six meetings. It’s shameful that despite this, the blasts have taken place. This is a mistake on the part of the administration".<ref name="Administration to be">{{cite news|title=Administration to be blamed for shameful act|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/administration-to-be-blamed-for-shameful-act/article4891276.ece?ref=relatedNews|access-date=9 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 July 2013|agency=The Hindu}}</ref> After the blast, Chief Minister of [[Bihar]] [[Nitish Kumar]] said: "The government had always been on the alert and taken steps to ensure the security of the Mahabodhi temple and Bodh Gaya in general".<ref name="We had always been">{{cite news|title=We had always been on alert: Nitish|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/we-had-always-been-on-alert-nitish/article4891411.ece?ref=relatedNews|access-date=9 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 July 2013}}</ref> A senior official of the IB said, "The Bodh Gaya temple was a long standing target and we had been reminding the Bihar state agencies about it. But our warnings were not taken seriously".<ref name="Tests of faith" />
 
==Reactions==
Indian President [[Pranab Mukherjee]] called the blasts a "[[senseless violence|senseless]] act of violence targeting innocent pilgrims and monks who had gathered to worship at this temple dedicated to the great apostle of peace—Gautama Buddha".<ref name=Pranab>{{cite news|title=President condemns Bodh Gaya blasts as senseless terror act|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1858125/report-president-condemns-bodh-gaya-blasts-as-senseless-terror-act|access-date=9 July 2013|newspaper=DNA India|date=7 July 2013|agency=PTI|location=New Delhi}}</ref> Prime Minister of India [[Manmohan Singh]] condemned the incident, saying that India's "composite culture and traditions teach us respect for all religions and such attacks on religious places will never be tolerated".<ref name="DNA NEWS1">{{cite news|last=DNA Web Team|title=NIA team reaches Bodh Gaya, begins probe|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1857983/report-terror-strikes-bodhgaya-serial-blasts-at-mahabodhi-temple-cm-nitish-kumar-reaches-the-spot|access-date=8 July 2013|newspaper=DNA India|date=7 July 2013|agency=DNA Webdesk|location=Gaya}}</ref><ref name="Suspected IM">{{cite news|title=Suspected IM member arrested in Kolkata for Bodh Gaya terror attack |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/serial-blasts-bodhgaya-in-bihar-mahabodhi-temple/1/287300.html|access-date=11 July 2013|newspaper=India Today|date=7 July 2013|author=India Today Online|agency=Living Media India Limited|location=Bodh Gaya}}</ref> A national organisation of Buddhist monks, the All India Bhiku Sangha, also reacted to the attacks. Its chairperson, Bhante Sadanand Mahasthaver, said: "Buddhist monks all over the country feel saddened by the attack. The international community is also shaken. We try to put people on the right path and we have been made the target of an attack. The All India Bhiku Sangha condemns this attack. This should not have happened. We spread the message of peace across the world. This is an attempt to spread terror and create discord among the messengers of peace".<ref name="National Buddhist">{{cite news|title=National Buddhist body condemns attack|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-buddhist-body-condemns-attack/article4891332.ece?ref=relatedNews|access-date=9 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 July 2013}}</ref> The [[Rajya Sabha]] condemned the attacks on Mahabodhi Temple; Chairman [[Mohammad Hamid Ansari]] described the attacks as "senseless act of violence" and "a cause of anguish and deep concern to all".<ref name="Rajya Sabha condemns">{{cite news|title=Rajya Sabha condemns Mahabodhi temple blast, Chhattisgarh Naxal attack|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rajya-sabha-condemns-mahabodhi-temple-blast-chhattisgarh-naxal-attack/articleshow/21618855.cms|access-date=5 August 2013|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=5 August 2013|author=PTI|agency=Times Internet Limited|location=New Delhi}}</ref> The [[Government of Bihar]] proposed to establish an [[Anti Terrorist Squad (India)|Anti Terrorist Squad]] unit in the state after the bombings.<ref name="ATS begins">{{cite news|last=IANS|title=Bihar begins to set up ATS|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/bihar-begins-to-set-up-ats-113111100792_1.html|access-date=13 November 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=11 November 2013|agency=Business Standard Ltd|location=Patna}}</ref>
 
The [[14th Dalai Lama]] called the attack "unfortunate". [[Lobsang Sangay]], Prime Minister of the [[Tibetan government-in-exile]], said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the series of bomb blasts at Mahabodhi Temple. My prayers [are] for the injured and their family members".<ref name="DALAI LAMA1">{{cite news|title=Dalai Lama, Tibetan govt-in-exile pained over Bodh Gaya blasts|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-07/india/40420473_1_tibetan-govt-in-exile-bomb-blasts-tibetan-government-in-exile|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713031346/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-07/india/40420473_1_tibetan-govt-in-exile-bomb-blasts-tibetan-government-in-exile|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 July 2013|access-date=8 July 2013|date=7 July 2013|agency=Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|location=Dharamshala, India}}</ref> Karmapa [[Ogyen Trinley Dorje]] said he was "saddened to hear of the senseless violence" and asked Buddhists "to remain calm and refrain from any further escalation of the violence".<ref>[http://www.thetibetpost.com/en/news/international/3514-his-holiness-the-17th-gyalwang-karmapas-message-on-the-bodh-gaya-bombing The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa’s message on the Bodh Gaya Bombing], ''[[Tibet Post]]'', 8 July 2013</ref> Karmapa [[Trinley Thaye Dorje]] said he was "deeply saddened to hear of the bomb attacks", and prayed "that we are all able to respond with compassion to all those affected by this tragic event".<ref name="A letter from">{{cite web|title=July 07th, 2013: A letter from H.H. Gyalwa Karmapa|url=http://karmapa-news.org/|publisher=The Karmapa Documentary Project|access-date=13 July 2013}}</ref>
 
Sri Lankan President [[Mahinda Rajapaksa]] was shocked by the news of the explosions: "[i]t is with deep sadness that I condemn the explosions within the hallowed precincts of the most venerated and sacred Bodh Gaya shrine in Bihar in India. Undoubtedly, it is one of the holiest shrines highly respected and venerated not only by Buddhists throughout the world, but by all peace-loving human beings".<ref name="Statement by the President of Sri Lanka">{{cite web|title=Statement by the President of Sri Lanka H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa on the serial blasts at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya in the state of Bihar on 7 July 2013|url=http://www.slhcindia.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=656:statement-by-the-president-of-sri-lanka-he-mahinda-rajapaksa-on-the-serial-blasts-at-the-mahabodhi-temple-in-bodhgaya-in-the-state-of-bihar-on-7-july-2013&catid=50:demo-category&Itemid=1|publisher=High Commission of Sri Lanka in India|access-date=13 July 2013}}</ref>
 
[[Burma|Burmese]] government and opposition leader [[Aung San Suu Kyi]] expressed her unhappiness over the blasts.<ref name="Myanmar govt, Suu Kyi slam attack" />
 
The [[Government of Thailand]] was "deeply disturbed by the bomb explosions", voicing security concerns.<ref name=", Kingdom of Thailand">{{cite web|title=Press Releases : Statement on Gaya Blast in India|url=http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/media-center/14/36771-Statement-on-Gaya-Blast-in-India.html|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand|access-date=6 August 2013}}</ref>
 
Delegates from a number of Buddhist traditions at the Eighth Global Conference on Buddhism in [[Singapore]] passed a resolution on the bombings:
<blockquote>
"We are deeply saddened, but we forgive those responsible for bombing the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. You may damage the most important temple in Buddhism but you will not destroy our faith in forgiveness and compassion".<ref name="resolutions Singapore">{{cite web|title=8th Global Conference on Buddhism passed resolutions against violence in Buddhist countries and bombing in India|url=http://www.buddhistchannel.tv/index.php?id=57,11524,0,0,1,0#.UeJNo9IweSp|publisher=The Buddhist Channel|access-date=14 July 2013|date=12 July 2013}}</ref>
</blockquote>
 
The [[Northeast India]]n Bhikkhu Sangha and Buddhists submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India: "It is indeed a sad incident that miscreants tried to cause damage to one of the holiest Buddhist shrines which is not only the place of Buddha’s enlightenment but from where the message of love and compassion pervaded the entire universe. The Mahabodhi Mahavihara, also being a World Heritage Site, is venerated by the world Buddhist community and such acts of vandalism deserve our strongest words of disapproval. We condemn the dastardly act and request the Government to deal with such anti social elements with a strong hand so that such acts of mindless violence do not occur again in any place of worship of any religious denomination".<ref name="move PM over">{{cite news|title=Buddhists move PM over attacks on shrine|url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul1913/state06|access-date=20 July 2013|newspaper=The Assam Tribune|date=18 July 2013|author=Staff Correspondent|location=Dibrugarh}}</ref>
 
In [[Nagpur]] during a protest, Buddhist monk Bodhi Priya Vinay tried to immolate himself but was stopped by police.<ref name="self immolation">{{cite news|title=Monk attempts self immolation to protest Mahabodhi Temple blasts|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/monk-attempts-self-immolation-to-protest-mahabodhi-temple-blasts/414581-3-237.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820045102/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/monk-attempts-self-immolation-to-protest-mahabodhi-temple-blasts/414581-3-237.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 August 2013|access-date=16 August 2013|newspaper=CNN-IBN|date=15 August 2013|author=Press Trust of India|agency=Cable News Network}}</ref> Buddhist monks from [[Thailand]], [[Laos]], Myanmar, [[Bangladesh]], [[Vietnam]] and Sri Lanka, including the [[World Fellowship of Buddhists]], condemned the Gaya attacks.<ref name="Monks protest">{{cite news|title=Monks protest Bodh Gaya attack|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/359258/rallies-against-bombing-in-bodh-gaya|access-date=11 July 2013|newspaper=Bangkok Post|date=10 July 2013|author=Bangkok Post and dpa|agency=The Post Publishing Public Company Limited|location=Bangkok, Thailand}}</ref> Throughout India, protestors led peace rallies and [[bandh]]s against the Bodh Gaya bombings.<ref name=ANI>{{cite news|title=Buddhists protest in Siliguri against Bodh Gaya blasts|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/buddhists-protest-in-siliguri-against-bodh-gaya-blasts-113071200138_1.html|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=Business Standard|date=12 July 2013|author=ANI|agency=Business Standard Ltd.}}</ref><ref name="Tawang protests">{{cite news|title=Tawang protests blasts in Bodh Gaya|url=http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=jul1213/oth06|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=The Assam Tribune|date=11 July 2013|author=Correspondent}}</ref><ref name="Bandh in">{{cite news|title=Bandh in Aurangabad over Mahabodhi temple blasts peaceful|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bandh-in-aurangabad-to-protest-mahabodhi-temple-blasts/405600-3-232.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208212448/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bandh-in-aurangabad-to-protest-mahabodhi-temple-blasts/405600-3-232.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 December 2013|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=IBN Live|date=10 July 2013|author=PTI}}</ref><ref name="Shanti March">{{cite news|title=Shanti March undertaken to condemn, and protest serial bombing in Bodh Gaya in city|url=http://www.nagpurtoday.in/shanti-march-undertaken-to-condemn-and-protest-serial-bombing-in-bodh-gaya-in-city/|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=Nagpur Today|date=9 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="Leg bandh">{{cite news|title=Leg bandh against Bodh Gaya terrorist attack|url=http://www.tninews.com/newsdet.aspx?q=75899|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=Tiger News International|date=7 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="observes complete">{{cite news|title=LADAKH observes complete Bandh to protest Bodh Gaya blasts|url=http://cityairnews.com/content/ladakh-observes-complete-bandh-protest-bodh-gaya-blasts|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=City Air News|date=9 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="stage protest">{{cite news|title=Buddhist monks stage protest in Kolkata|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/buddhist-monks-stage-protest-in-kolkata/article4893255.ece|access-date=12 July 2013|newspaper=The Hindu|date=8 July 2013|agency=The Hindu}}</ref>
 
[[World Council of Churches]] general secretary [[Olav Fykse Tveit]] expressed "heartfelt sorrow and solidarity" over the bombings. In a letter to the Buddhist community, he said: "We wish and hope that this incident, despite its traumatic and tragic dimensions, may be transformed into an opportunity to offer the world a glimpse of the best of your morality and spirituality".<ref name="Letter of solidarity to Buddhists">{{cite web|title=Letter of solidarity to Buddhists on Mahabodhi temple blasts|url=http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/general-secretary/messages-and-letters/letter-of-solidarity-to-buddhists-on-mahabodhi-temple-blasts/|publisher=World Council of Churches|access-date=24 July 2013|date=16 July 2013}}</ref>
 
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
 
==External links==
* Photographs of the Bombing of Bodh Gaya [http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bodh-gaya-blasts-mahabodhi-temple-bihar-nitish-kumar/1/287336.html Part 1] and [http://newindianexpress.com/photos/nation/Bodh-Gayas-quest-for-peace/2013/07/09/article1675328.ece Part 2]
* [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/scholars-ask-govt-to-protect-buddhist-sites/article5118565.ece Scholars ask Govt. to protect Buddhist sites]
* [http://www.deccanherald.com/content/357530/im-bomb-maker-said-behind.html IM bomb-maker said to be behind Bodh Gaya blasts]
* [http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/AssessingtheBodhGayaTerrorAttack_ubsingh_250713 Assessing the Bodh Gaya Terror Attack] by [[Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses]]
 
[[Category:Attacks on religious buildings and structures in India]]
[[Category:Bodh Gaya]]
[[Category:Crime in Bihar]]
[[Category:Gaya district]]
[[Category:History of Bihar (1947–present)]]
[[Category:Improvised explosive device bombings in India]]
[[Category:Indian Mujahideen attacks]]
[[Category:Persecution of Buddhists]]
[[Category:Persecution of Buddhists by Muslims]]
[[Category:Terrorist incidents in India in 2013]]
[[Category:Building bombings in India]]

Revision as of 20:29, 19 May 2021

Bodh Gaya bombings
Bodhgaya 3639641913 f4c5f73689 t.jpg
Bodhi Tree near the Mahabodhi Temple.
Bodh Gaya, Bihar is located in Bihar
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Bodh Gaya, Bihar
class=notpageimage|
Location of Bodh Gaya in Bihar.
LocationMahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
Date7 July 2013
05:30–06:00 (IST)
Attack type
Bombing
WeaponsImprovised explosive device[1] and cylinder bombs
Injured5
Convicted
  • Umer Siddiqui
  • Azaharuddin Qureshi
  • Imtiyaz Ansari alias Alam
  • Haider Ali alias Black Beauty
  • Mujibullah Ansari
[2]
VerdictLife Imprisonment and fine
Convictionscriminal conspiracy, promoting enmity among different groups on grounds of religion, sect and place of birth

Template:Violence against Buddhists On 7 July 2013 a series of ten bombs exploded in and around the Mahabodhi Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodh Gaya, India. Five people, including two Buddhist monks, were injured by the blasts. Three other devices were defused by bomb-disposal squads at a number of locations in Gaya.[3][4][5]

The temple itself and the Bodhi Tree (where Gautama Buddha had attained enlightenment) were undamaged.[6] However, the Archaeological Survey of India confirmed damage to new structures in the temple complex.[7] International figures, including the Dalai Lama, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Myanmar Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, condemned the attacks.[8] On 4 November 2013, the National Investigation Agency announced that the Islamic terrorist group Indian Mujahideen was responsible for the bombings.[9][10]

On 1 June 2018, a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court of Patna sentenced life imprisonment for 5 prime accused in this case.[2]

Bombings

The Mahabodhi Mahavihara is an important temple for Buddhists worldwide.[11] The bombs exploded between 05:30 and 06:00 IST (00:30–01:00 UTC), concurrently with the Sutta chanting and meditation which begin the daily routine of the mahavihara.[12][13][14]

Four of the blasts occurred within the Mahabodhi Temple complex:[13]

  • The first bomb exploded at 5:30 IST, during prayers in the temple sanctuary.
  • About two minutes later a bomb exploded on the east side of the complex, at the Animesh Lochna Temple. Wooden bookshelves, stacked with Buddhist scriptures, were damaged by this blast.
  • A third bomb exploded on the south side of the complex, at the Butter Lamp House. This blast damaged the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC) ambulance parked there.
  • A fourth bomb exploded on the north side of the complex, inside a small shrine; however, an image of the Buddha in the shrine was unaffected by the blast.

Five other blasts occurred in Bodh Gaya, within a 500-metre radius of the Mahabodhi Temple complex:[13][15]

  • A small bomb exploded at an 80-foot (24 m) statue of the Buddha.
  • Three bombs exploded at the Tergar (Tibetan)[16] Monastery. One bomb was placed behind the door of a classroom where children study Buddhism. The windows and classroom doors were damaged; there were no injuries, since the children were on holiday.[17]
  • One bomb exploded on a bus parked at the Sujata bypass.

Indian Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said on 8 July that there were ten blasts, not nine as earlier reported;[18] it was unclear where the tenth bomb detonated.[4][18][19] Despite the blasts, BTMC monks opened the main sanctuary of the temple for routine prayer and rituals.[13]

Bomb-disposal squads defused three more bombs,[5] which did not explode because the analog timers in them failed. A cylinder bomb at the Tergar monastery, another bomb near the 80-foot statue of the Buddha, and a third bomb was found during the afternoon, near the Royal Residence Hotel in the village of Baiju Bigaha. The bomb-detection team separated the detonator from the power source to defuse these bombs:[20]

Three pamphlets, handwritten in Urdu, were reportedly found with the defused bombs. Code words in two of the pamphlets seemed to describe the locations where the bombs would be planted, while the third pamphlet included the phrase "Revenge for Iraq".[21][22]

Investigation

On 8 July the Bihar Police released CCTV footage of the blast sites at the Mahabodhi Temple and, based on an analysis of the footage, sketches of the suspected attackers. Sahidur and Saifur Rehman, brothers from Scotland and Saudi Arabia respectively, were identified from the sketches; both are alleged Indian Mujahideen (IM) operatives.[23] Another man, Vinod Mistri, was also arrested since his identity card was found at the blast site. However, Mistri claimed to have lost his card days before the blasts.[18][24] National Investigation Agency (NIA) released Mistri on 10 July for lack of evidence after taking his statement.[25] An alleged IM tweet claimed responsibility for the Bodh Gaya bombings on the day of the blasts, warning that Mumbai would be the next target. The IP address was traced to Pakistan, and NIA investigated the claim.[26]

On 16 July, NIA released the sketches and a video clip of a suspect in the bombings. According to the agency, the suspect (in Bhikkhu clothing) planted four bombs in the Mahabodhi complex.[27][28] Witnesses noticed that the suspect performed Parikrama incorrectly. NIA reported that the suspected bomber intended to blow up the main statue of the Buddha, but did not enter the sanctuary because prayers had already begun.[29]

Investigators discovered that the 13 Lotus timers used in the bombings were bought at a shop in Guwahati.[30] They also ascertained that the clocks attached to the unexploded bombs were manufactured at a factory in Rajkot, Gujarat. The cylinders attached to the bombs were obtained in Bihar, so NIA suspected local involvement.[31]

Investigators also confirmed that the bombs used in Patna and Bodh Gaya were nearly identical;[32] one of the many similarities investigated was in the way the bombs were planted.[9][33] On 4 November 2013 NIA raided a lodge in Ranchi, finding evidence of a plot to bomb pilgrimage sites. The evidence included a map of planned bombings and the coded names of the terrorists. An NIA agent confirmed that "the charts they recovered matched precisely".[10]

The evidence confirmed that the Ranchi cell of the IM was responsible for the blasts.[9] According to reports, Imtiaz Ansari placed a bomb near the Thai Monastery and Ainul (a.k.a. Tariq) placed one at the Tergar Monastery. Mujib placed bombs at four locations in Bodh Gaya.[9] The six-person attacking squad allegedly worked in pairs, and was assigned to place three bombs each.[34] NIA named the five bomb planters, who planned the attack over a year ago: Hyder Ali, Imtiaz Ansari, Tariq (a.k.a. Ainul) and Taufeeq and Mujibal Ansari. The agency suspects that Ali masterminded the plot with guidance from Tehseen Akhtar, a Ranchi-based IM operative.[35] Investigators suspect that Riyaz Bhatkal, a Pakistani IM leader, commanded the attack.[36]

Alleged warnings

Some members of the media blamed the Bihar Police, saying the blasts resulted from a lack of security at the management and operational levels.[17] The metal detectors at the Mahabodhi Temple were not calibrated to detect bombs,[17] and there were only four guards on duty when the blasts occurred.[37] A security expert said, "The decision to let the Bodh Gaya Management Committee man security inside the premises is preposterous and immature".[17] Questioned by NIA in the US in June 2010 about the 2008 Mumbai attacks, David Headley claimed that Lashkar-e-Taiba prepared a video on the Mahabodhi Temple and was planning to trigger blasts there.[21] The IM, responsible for the 2012 Pune bombings, revealed plans to attack the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya in October 2012.[17][38] In April 2013 the NIA issued a list of alleged IM operatives, including Gaya-born Amir Reza Khan (alias Parvez, alias Rizwan, alias Muttaki), a resident of the village of Maheyan in Mohanpur, Gaya who was the sixth wanted member of the list.[17]

Reza, perpetrator of the Bangalore and Pune blasts, is suspected to have provided reconnaissance on the Mahabodhi Temple site. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) issued several warnings, one in 2012 and two in 2013.[17] The Bihar Police were alerted in June 2013 about the targets by the IB,[39] and on 2 July the IB alerted them about the entry of two suspects into Gaya.[17] The Ministry of Home Affairs warned on 3 July that the temple was a target.[39] The warnings caused a Bihar Police meeting the same day about security at the Mahabodhi Temple, but the blasts occurred within 100 hours.[17] The treasurer of All India Bhiku Sangha, Pragya Deep, said: "The administration had prior information. There was a report of the IB. A series of security review meetings have been conducted. There have been at least five to six meetings. It’s shameful that despite this, the blasts have taken place. This is a mistake on the part of the administration".[40] After the blast, Chief Minister of Bihar Nitish Kumar said: "The government had always been on the alert and taken steps to ensure the security of the Mahabodhi temple and Bodh Gaya in general".[41] A senior official of the IB said, "The Bodh Gaya temple was a long standing target and we had been reminding the Bihar state agencies about it. But our warnings were not taken seriously".[39]

Reactions

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee called the blasts a "senseless act of violence targeting innocent pilgrims and monks who had gathered to worship at this temple dedicated to the great apostle of peace—Gautama Buddha".[42] Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh condemned the incident, saying that India's "composite culture and traditions teach us respect for all religions and such attacks on religious places will never be tolerated".[43][44] A national organisation of Buddhist monks, the All India Bhiku Sangha, also reacted to the attacks. Its chairperson, Bhante Sadanand Mahasthaver, said: "Buddhist monks all over the country feel saddened by the attack. The international community is also shaken. We try to put people on the right path and we have been made the target of an attack. The All India Bhiku Sangha condemns this attack. This should not have happened. We spread the message of peace across the world. This is an attempt to spread terror and create discord among the messengers of peace".[45] The Rajya Sabha condemned the attacks on Mahabodhi Temple; Chairman Mohammad Hamid Ansari described the attacks as "senseless act of violence" and "a cause of anguish and deep concern to all".[46] The Government of Bihar proposed to establish an Anti Terrorist Squad unit in the state after the bombings.[47]

The 14th Dalai Lama called the attack "unfortunate". Lobsang Sangay, Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the series of bomb blasts at Mahabodhi Temple. My prayers [are] for the injured and their family members".[19] Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje said he was "saddened to hear of the senseless violence" and asked Buddhists "to remain calm and refrain from any further escalation of the violence".[48] Karmapa Trinley Thaye Dorje said he was "deeply saddened to hear of the bomb attacks", and prayed "that we are all able to respond with compassion to all those affected by this tragic event".[49]

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa was shocked by the news of the explosions: "[i]t is with deep sadness that I condemn the explosions within the hallowed precincts of the most venerated and sacred Bodh Gaya shrine in Bihar in India. Undoubtedly, it is one of the holiest shrines highly respected and venerated not only by Buddhists throughout the world, but by all peace-loving human beings".[50]

Burmese government and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her unhappiness over the blasts.[8]

The Government of Thailand was "deeply disturbed by the bomb explosions", voicing security concerns.[51]

Delegates from a number of Buddhist traditions at the Eighth Global Conference on Buddhism in Singapore passed a resolution on the bombings:

"We are deeply saddened, but we forgive those responsible for bombing the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. You may damage the most important temple in Buddhism but you will not destroy our faith in forgiveness and compassion".[52]

The Northeast Indian Bhikkhu Sangha and Buddhists submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister of India: "It is indeed a sad incident that miscreants tried to cause damage to one of the holiest Buddhist shrines which is not only the place of Buddha’s enlightenment but from where the message of love and compassion pervaded the entire universe. The Mahabodhi Mahavihara, also being a World Heritage Site, is venerated by the world Buddhist community and such acts of vandalism deserve our strongest words of disapproval. We condemn the dastardly act and request the Government to deal with such anti social elements with a strong hand so that such acts of mindless violence do not occur again in any place of worship of any religious denomination".[53]

In Nagpur during a protest, Buddhist monk Bodhi Priya Vinay tried to immolate himself but was stopped by police.[54] Buddhist monks from Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, including the World Fellowship of Buddhists, condemned the Gaya attacks.[55] Throughout India, protestors led peace rallies and bandhs against the Bodh Gaya bombings.[56][57][58][59][60][61][62]

World Council of Churches general secretary Olav Fykse Tveit expressed "heartfelt sorrow and solidarity" over the bombings. In a letter to the Buddhist community, he said: "We wish and hope that this incident, despite its traumatic and tragic dimensions, may be transformed into an opportunity to offer the world a glimpse of the best of your morality and spirituality".[63]

References

  1. ↑ Gupta, Shishir; Rajesh, Ahuja (11 July 2013). "Indian Mujahideen Bodh Gaya blasts tweet traced to Pakistan". Hindustan Times. New Delhi. HT Media Limited. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Five sentenced to life imprisonment in Bodh Gaya serial blasts case". Headlines Today. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  3. ↑ "5 injured in multiple blasts at Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya". The Times of India. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 PTI (8 July 2013). "13 bombs were planted in Mahabodhi temple complex: Shinde". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on 12 July 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 AGENCIES (7 July 2013). "Third bomb recovered near Bodh Gaya". The Times of India, Times Now. Times Now, TIMES GLOBAL BROADCASTING COMPANY LIMITED. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  6. ↑ "2 monks injured as terror strikes Bodh Gaya". The Hindu. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  7. ↑ Agencies (11 July 2013). "Only modern structures at temple damaged: ASI". Mid DAY. New Delhi. Mid-Day Infomedia Ltd. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Myanmar govt, Suu Kyi slam attack on Buddhist shrine". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 9 July 2013. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Tiwari, Deeptiman (6 November 2013). "Ranchi document helps NIA crack Bodh Gaya blast case". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 November 2013.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Gaikwad, Rahi; Anumeha, Yadav; Devesh, Pandey (7 November 2013). "Patna terror cell behind Bodh Gaya strike too: NIA". The Hindu. Patna, Ranchi, New Delhi. The Hindu. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  11. ↑ "History of Bodhgaya". Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee. Archived from the original on 16 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  12. ↑ "Daily Routine of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara". Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee. Archived from the original on 11 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 "News & Events". Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  14. ↑ "Terror strikes Bodh Gaya, serial blasts rock Mahabodhi Temple". Economic Times. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  15. ↑ Yadav, Anumeha (7 July 2013). "Serial blasts rock Bodh Gaya temple". The Hindu. The Hindu. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  16. ↑ "Home". Tergar International. Retrieved 7 July 2013.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 17.7 17.8 Srivastava, Amitabh; Abhishek, Bhalla (8 July 2013). "Strike on a non-functional day at Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple spared many lives". India Today. Living Media India Limited. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Sen, Sudhi (8 July 2013). "Day after terror attack, prayers for peace at Bodh Gaya". NDTV. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Dalai Lama, Tibetan govt-in-exile pained over Bodh Gaya blasts". The Times of India. Dharamshala, India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 7 July 2013. Archived from the original on 13 July 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  20. ↑ Singh, Vijaita (23 July 2013). "MHA: Police in Bodhgaya left 'effective' IEDs lying around". The Indian Express. New Delhi. The Indian Express Ltd. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Sahni, Ajai (8 July 2013). "Bodh Gaya: Culpable Neglect". The Outlook Magazine. The Outlook Group. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  22. ↑ Rani, Lata (8 July 2013). "Buddha's name found on Bihar temple bomb". Gulf News. Al Nisr Publishing LLC. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  23. ↑ "Bodhgaya blasts: Police release CCTV footage, terror suspect detained". India Today. Bodh Gaya (Bihar). The India Today Group. 8 July 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  24. ↑ "One held for questioning over Bodh Gaya blasts". Hindustan Times. 8 July 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  25. ↑ PTI (11 July 2013). "NIA releases two in Bodh Gaya blasts case". The Hindu. The Hindu. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  26. ↑ Arunima (10 July 2013). "Alleged Indian Mujahideen tweet claiming responsibility for Mahabodhi blasts traced to Pak". CNN-IBN. New Delhi. Cable News Network. Archived from the original on 12 July 2013. Retrieved 10 July 2013.
  27. ↑ Ministry of Home Affairs. "Press Releases - Details of suspect involved in Bodh Gaya blast dated 07.07.2013". New Delhi: Government of India. Archived from the original on 27 July 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  28. ↑ Tiwary, Deeptiman (17 July 2013). "NIA releases sketch of suspected Bodh Gaya bomber". The Times of India. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  29. ↑ Tiwary, Deeptiman (18 July 2013). "Bomber wanted to blow up main statue". The Times of India. New Delhi. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on 21 August 2013. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  30. ↑ Jain, Bharti (25 July 2013). "Bodh Gaya blasts: Guwahati shop under NIA scanner". The Times of India. New Delhi. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on 28 July 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  31. ↑ Press Trust of India (23 July 2013). "Mahabodhi blasts: Bomb timers were traced to Gujarat, bought in Guwahati". CNN-IBN. Cable News Network, LP LLLP. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2013.
  32. ↑ Tiwary, Deeptiman (1 November 2013). "Patna, Bodh Gaya bombs similar; used same brand of clocks as timers". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
  33. ↑ Tiwary, Deeptiman (29 October 2013). "Patna, Bodh Gaya bombs similar; used same brand of clocks as timers". The Times of India. New Delhi. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
  34. ↑ Kumar, Manish; Shamik, Ghosh (6 November 2013). "Patna blasts planned on instant messaging site: investigators". NDTV. New Delhi. NDTV Convergence Limited 2013. Retrieved 7 November 2013.
  35. ↑ Gaikwad, Rahi (7 November 2013). "Bodh Gaya bomb planters identified; motives and methods still under probe". The Hindu. Patna. The Hindu. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
  36. ↑ Kumar, Manish; Shamik, Ghosh (6 November 2013). "Patna blasts planned on instant messaging site: investigators". NDTV. New Delhi. NDTV Convergence Limited 2013. Retrieved 11 November 2013.
  37. ↑ Chaturvedi, Amit; With inputs from Agencies (8 July 2013). "10 Developments : Bodh Gaya blasts: temple reopens, monks hold special prayers". NDTV India. NDTV Convergence Limited. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  38. ↑ Pandey, Devesh K (8 July 2013). "Delhi Police warning went in vain". The Hindu. New Delhi. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 Raj, Dev; Neyaz, Farooquee (14 July 2013). "Tests of faith". Hindustan Times. New Delhi. HT Media Limited. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  40. ↑ "Administration to be blamed for shameful act". The Hindu. The Hindu. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  41. ↑ "We had always been on alert: Nitish". The Hindu. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  42. ↑ "President condemns Bodh Gaya blasts as senseless terror act". DNA India. New Delhi. PTI. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  43. ↑ DNA Web Team (7 July 2013). "NIA team reaches Bodh Gaya, begins probe". DNA India. Gaya. DNA Webdesk. Retrieved 8 July 2013.
  44. ↑ India Today Online (7 July 2013). "Suspected IM member arrested in Kolkata for Bodh Gaya terror attack". India Today. Bodh Gaya. Living Media India Limited. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  45. ↑ "National Buddhist body condemns attack". The Hindu. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  46. ↑ PTI (5 August 2013). "Rajya Sabha condemns Mahabodhi temple blast, Chhattisgarh Naxal attack". The Economic Times. New Delhi. Times Internet Limited. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  47. ↑ IANS (11 November 2013). "Bihar begins to set up ATS". Business Standard. Patna. Business Standard Ltd. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  48. ↑ The 17th Gyalwang Karmapa’s message on the Bodh Gaya Bombing, Tibet Post, 8 July 2013
  49. ↑ "July 07th, 2013: A letter from H.H. Gyalwa Karmapa". The Karmapa Documentary Project. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  50. ↑ "Statement by the President of Sri Lanka H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa on the serial blasts at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya in the state of Bihar on 7 July 2013". High Commission of Sri Lanka in India. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  51. ↑ "Press Releases : Statement on Gaya Blast in India". Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand. Retrieved 6 August 2013.
  52. ↑ "8th Global Conference on Buddhism passed resolutions against violence in Buddhist countries and bombing in India". The Buddhist Channel. 12 July 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2013.
  53. ↑ Staff Correspondent (18 July 2013). "Buddhists move PM over attacks on shrine". The Assam Tribune. Dibrugarh. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  54. ↑ Press Trust of India (15 August 2013). "Monk attempts self immolation to protest Mahabodhi Temple blasts". CNN-IBN. Cable News Network. Archived from the original on 20 August 2013. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  55. ↑ Bangkok Post and dpa (10 July 2013). "Monks protest Bodh Gaya attack". Bangkok Post. Bangkok, Thailand. The Post Publishing Public Company Limited. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  56. ↑ ANI (12 July 2013). "Buddhists protest in Siliguri against Bodh Gaya blasts". Business Standard. Business Standard Ltd. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  57. ↑ Correspondent (11 July 2013). "Tawang protests blasts in Bodh Gaya". The Assam Tribune. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  58. ↑ PTI (10 July 2013). "Bandh in Aurangabad over Mahabodhi temple blasts peaceful". IBN Live. Archived from the original on 8 December 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  59. ↑ "Shanti March undertaken to condemn, and protest serial bombing in Bodh Gaya in city". Nagpur Today. 9 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  60. ↑ "Leg bandh against Bodh Gaya terrorist attack". Tiger News International. 7 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  61. ↑ "LADAKH observes complete Bandh to protest Bodh Gaya blasts". City Air News. 9 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  62. ↑ "Buddhist monks stage protest in Kolkata". The Hindu. The Hindu. 8 July 2013. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  63. ↑ "Letter of solidarity to Buddhists on Mahabodhi temple blasts". World Council of Churches. 16 July 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2013.

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