Intelligence Bureau ramps up security alerts ahead of Independence Day

Routine intelligence alerts ahead of Independence Day are specific this time, forcing the Delhi Police to take more precaution than never before to strengthen the security apparatus in the Capital.



The US and the Israeli embassies in New Delhi are said to be on the radar of terror outfits , and foreign tourists visiting the Capital are "soft targets", according to an Intelligence Bureau (IB) input received by the Delhi Police.



There is a serious threat to the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort while Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself faces a specific threat, the IB alert said.



There is a serious threat to the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort

The Delhi Police was also alerted about serious threats from militants to VHP leader Praveen Togadia and the RSS Delhi headquarters in Jhandewalan.



Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria is also said to be facing threats from the militants.



Tourists under threat

Sources in the Delhi Police said that according to the IB, some Islamic militants recently conducted a recce of the US and the Israeli embassies in India.



"There is a threat to foreign tourists, particularly Israeli and Jewish groups. They are under target after the recent happenings in Gaza evoked reaction from certain quarters, especially in Delhi and Lucknow," one of the sources said.



Prominent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and those of the Hindu outfits are on the radar of Pakistan-based terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), according to the IB.



The IB has also alerted security agencies that a group of around 15 highly motivated trained JeM fidayeen has left their bases in Pakistan and infiltrated into the country through various routes especially via Bangladesh.



All these cadres are being controlled by the LeT commanders and the foreign handlers of these cadres are constantly in touch with them.



These ultras have been given task to carry out a survey of high value targets, including infrastructure projects, important institutions and business establishments, in the country.



"It was learnt that some of the militants have already conducted a recce in crowded markets of Delhi such as Palika Bazaar and Chandni Chowk.



"They have also conducted recce of areas where foreigners, especially those belonging from Jewish community, regularly put up," a senior police officer of the Special Cell said.



On May 27, a handwritten letter purportedly written by LeT area commander Kareem Ansari was received by the railway station master in Ghaziabad.



In the letter, Ansari had threatened to blow up several railway stations, including the one in New Delhi, and religious places like Birla Mandir, Gurdwara Bangla Sahib.



Sources further stated that efforts are being made by the militant groups to revive its activities by carrying out some sensational terror acts in India.



Separately, several others inputs indicate LeT plans to carry out a major terrorist action against already identified targets.

