As the NIA started its probe into the serial blasts in this temple town, Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde today did not rule out the involvement of three to four persons in the attack.
Shinde, who visited the bomb blast sites along with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party leader Ambika Soni, said a detailed probe was being carried out by the premier investigating agency.
“We condemn the bomb blasts in Lord Buddha’s holy land. Such blasts in the peaceful land of Bodh Gaya is a matter of serious concern... We have put in two big teams for investigation. It is the top investigating agency on par with the CBI. It is particularly looking into the problem of terrorists. We have started investigations and questioning a number of people,” Shinde told reporters after visiting the site.
Shinde said the Centre had entrusted complete investigations to the NIA after the request of Bihar government in this regard.
“We have visited all the places. 10 out of 13 bombs went off... Small gas cylinders of two to three kilos and nails and ball-bearings were filled and connected with detonators and a watch was kept. All this happened between 5 to 6 am. They must have kept (bombs) at night. We are conducting complete investigations. Three-four people may be involved... With a car. We are conducting detailed investigations,” Shinde said.
Asked why no arrests have been made in the case, Shinde said, “Arresting anyone in a hurry is not right. Investigations should go into detail and catch hold of the real culprits.”
On the failure of intelligence despite information, Shinde said Delhi police had handed over information to them in October and on July 3 a DIG had conducted a review of the security with the local administration.
“Information was received and we are holding detailed investigation. I have asked details about the information received,” Shinde said.
Asked about the involvement of Naxals in the Gaya blasts, Shinde said, “There are so many complex problems. Infiltration from other countries is there, naxalites are there, local communal disturbances are there. We have to see all angles.”