A terror alert has reportedly been issued in Delhi following intelligence inputs about a possible attack plan by Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the Chandni Chowk area. According to an ANI report citing Intelligence sources, a temple near the Red Fort could be a potential target.
As per a report by the Hindustan Times, the inputs suggest that the group may be planning to use an improvised explosive device (IED). Sources quoted in the report said the outfit is allegedly seeking to avenge the February 6 blast at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, and could be preparing a major strike in India.
Temple near Red Fort under watch
“Blast alert in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. Terrorists may target a temple in Chandni Chowk. Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting an IED attack. They are planning a major terrorist attack in India to avenge the February 6th mosque blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. Major temples in the country can be targeted by Lashkar-e-Taiba,” ANI quoted Intelligence sources as saying.
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Security agencies are said to be monitoring the situation closely in view of the inputs. There has been no official confirmation from Delhi Police yet.
Previous alerts ahead of Republic Day
The development comes weeks after intelligence agencies reportedly warned of possible threats from Khalistani terrorist organisations and Bangladesh-based terror outfits ahead of Republic Day on January 26.
On January 17, ANI had cited sources as saying that Punjab-based gangsters were increasingly acting as foot soldiers for Khalistani and radical handlers operating from abroad. According to the alert, these networks were active across Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan and were gradually establishing links with Khalistani elements.
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“Ahead of January 26, intelligence agencies have issued an alert warning that Khalistani terrorist organisations and Bangladesh-based terror outfits may attempt to target Delhi and several other cities across the country”, ANI quoted intelligence sources as stating on January 17.
As per the alert, these gangsters are operating in Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, and "gradually establishing links with Khalistani terrorist elements”, Hindustan Times reported.
The fresh alert also comes months after a car explosion near the Red Fort left more than a dozen people dead and later exposed a larger terror module.
