Indian Mujahideen (IM), an amalgam of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashker-e-Tayyaba (LeT) and banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), has emerged as a suspect in the attack on a tourist vehicle near the Jama Masjid here on Friday. The Delhi police, however, does not suspect the role of any organised terror group behind the shooting incident.
The IM in a statement issued on Sunday, soon after the attack, denounced the killings of civilians in the Kashmir Valley and pledged to hit at the Commonwealth Games starting in Delhi from October 3. Security officials believe that the incident did appear to be an attempt to “terrorise” people and “create panic” ahead of the Games.
The statement emailed to BBC Hindi service said, “On the one hand Muslim blood is flowing like water while on the other hand you are preparing for the festival of games. We warn you to host the Commonwealth Games”.
“We know that preparations for the Games are at its peak. Beware, we too are preparing in full swing for a great surprise. The participants will be solely responsible for the outcome (of our attacks) as our bands of Mujahideen love death more than you love life,” said the statement. The statement vaguely referred to this attack as a revenge for the killing of two its members earlier in Delhi.
Indian agencies are, however, trying to confirm the authenticity of the e-mail. Indian Mujahideen is believed to be a shadow outfit of the SIMI and has also been linked to the Pakistan-based LeT, sources said adding that IM as well SIMI modules are active in Delhi and several northern as well as southern states of India.
Sources further said, “Intelligence agencies have got certain clues which indicate the involvement of a particular terror outfit behind the attack. Recovery of a Talon magazine from the spot reveals that the accused used foreign made weapons for the attack.” The Talon is an American company which manufactures magazines. Mostly Talon magazines are used by LeT and IM members for carrying out terror acts in India, sources added.
Initial probe by the intelligence agencies also reveal that accused were in touch with their handlers.