Bodh Gaya bombings: Difference between revisions

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| 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          = [[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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130711134402/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Bihar/Indian-Mujahideen-Bodh-Gaya-blasts-tweet-traced-to-Pakistan/Article1-1090628.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 July 2013|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
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==Investigation==
==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 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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130712070815/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Bihar/One-held-for-questioning-over-Bodh-Gaya-blasts/Article1-1088947.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 July 2013 |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>
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>
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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 />
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" />
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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714110327/http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/India/Tests-of-faith/Article1-1092142.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 July 2013|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" />


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