MUMBAI: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India is highlighting evidence that shows the attack on its three young female staff in Bhopal on September 22 at Royal Market was premeditated.

The group points out that the attackers carried signs that had been printed out on a computer specifically threatening PETA India and some reportedly brought weapons such as knives and kerosene, showing premeditation, informed a Mumbai based member of PETA.

It also reveals that its staff were receiving calls by persons pretending to be interested members of the media until 1 am the night before the attack constantly asking the women about what their whereabouts would be the next day, up until the moment of the attack, luring them to it.

The women were repeatedly asked by some callers if their planned activity is a protest, to which the women explained it is not, but is instead a peaceful outreach activity. The women had been planning to engage passers-by in a discussion on the benefits of plant-based foods and on considering the offering of fruits, vegetables, breads and pulses to the poor and to animals as one way of celebrating Eid, but they were attacked before their peaceful program even began.