The multiple terror attacks at the Mahabodhi temple complex in Bihar was aimed at inflicting maximum casualties but failed as the IED did not explode properly. Home ministry sources said a cylinder-shaped IED, along with ammonium nitrate, is believed to have been used to trigger the explosions. However, dampness may have resulted in the IED failing to explode properly saving many lives, sources said.
There were initial hiccups as the Union home ministry dispatched NIA and NSG teams to the temple town on Sunday morning to gather forensic and material evidence. Due to bad weather the NIA and NSG teams could not land in Gaya. The six-member team then took off again for Patna as Gaya does not have night landing facilities, the officials said.
Sources said the forensic experts of the NIA and NSG will try to gather evidence on the kind of explosives used, usage of any timer device and whether any shrapnel were used, which are imprint of the Indian Mujahideen. Intelligence officials said that in successive strikes carried out by the IM, the aim has been to cause maximum damage and inflict maximum casualties which have been seen in the earlier terror attacks witnessed in the country.
“The NIA will study the similarities with previous blasts, including the Pune serial blasts last year and the Hyderabad blasts this year,” an official said. The NIA is soon expected to formally take over the Bodh Gaya probe.