Fugitive IM terrorists may target Modi rally

Bengaluru: The City is on high alert fo­llowing reported In­telligence inputs on possible assassination bid on the Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi during his rally in the city on November 17 by the absconding terror suspects from the two homegrown terror outfits active in Karnataka – the ‘Indian Mujahideen’ and the newly regrouped module from Tamil Nadu, who are allegedly involved in the April 2010 Chinnaswamy Stadium and the Malleswaram April 17 blasts this year.

The Intelligence agencies have warned the city police of a possible jehadi attack on the rally by IM founders – Riyaz and Iqbal Shahbandari alias Bhatkal, Mudassar Yasin, Salman and Shahid – the five fugitive IM terrorists from Karnataka, who are allegedly involved in the Chinnaswamy blasts and the four absconding terror suspects in the 17/4 blast – Parvari Basha, Ummar, Ali Khan Kutti and Abu baqr Siddique from Tamil Nadu.

While Siddique is said to be the mastermind behind the April terror attack, which was meant to target the BJP headquarters in the state, the other three are said to be harbourers of men and explosives. “Nothing is known about these fugitive terrorists, who have executed terror attacks in the city with local help.

The police do not have much ground information on the extent of the infiltration of these groups or their network. Besides planning a lethal attack on the BJP leader or the rally there is a serious apprehension regarding a possible stampede during the rally and some indications that they could trigger communal violence in the state when the rallyists from other districts return home. Some misguided elements may provoke them, which may lead to vandalism and arson,” said an official source.

Meanwhile, the Railways, who on BJP demand have sanctioned eight additional trains for the rally from other districts, have asked the city police and the Railway Protection Force to maintain high vigil at the City Railway Station. “Our main concern is to secure the station and prevent bomb explosion and stampede on the platforms.

All entry points at the station are being manned by armed personnel and commandoes from the quick reaction team. Dog squads from Mysore and Hubli have been deputed on the platforms,” said a senior railway security officer.