Varanasi blast: High alert in major Indian states

New Delhi, Dec 8: Following the bomb blast in Shitlaghat temple in Varanasi that led to many injuries and the death of a two year old baby, major cities in India were put on high alert. Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad will see increased surveillance and security beefed up in key places in the states.

The Indian Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attacks and projects the attack as a retaliatory action against the Babri Masjid verdict. The anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition fell on Dec 6. The blast occurred during the Ganga aarti ritual to elicit maximum damage.

Home Secretary GK Pillai issued a statement following the attack said, "An alert to all Indian states was sent following the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition on December 6. The same alert has been re-iterated following the Varanasi blast." Home Minister, P Chidambaram also commented the terrorist attack and said, "It is an attempt to disturb peace and harmony by misguided groups".

The Opposition BJP went ballistic with their comments on the UPA administration and BJP vice president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, ""He (P Chidambaram) is the most casual and confused home minister of the country. For quite sometime, every two months serious terrorist acts are taking place and the Home Minister always adopts a casual approach".

An e-mail sent by Indian Mujahideen using unsecured WiFi connections was traced to addresses in Navi Mumbai. The mail was sent to media houses soon after the blast occurred. The officials are investigating the matter.

OneIndia News.