SIMI planned attacks in 2010: Saif

Indian Mujahideen (IM) member Mohammad Saif — currently in jail for the 2008 Delhi blasts — had allegedly told the police that the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) was planning “explosions and attacks” in 2010.

Indian Mujahideen (IM) member Mohammad Saif — currently in jail for the 2008 Delhi blasts — had allegedly told the police that the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) was planning “explosions and attacks” in 2010.

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The interrogation report of Saif specifically mentioned that the banned SIMI had prepared a hit list of high-profile people and places across India.

On Saturday, a powerful explosion ripped apart German Bakery in Pune killing 10 people and injuring over 60.

Saif was first associated with the SIMI and later joined Indian Mujahideen. He was arrested on September 19, 2008, from Batla House after an encounter with the police. Atif Ameen, the group’s leader, was killed in the encounter. Saif was interrogated soon after his arrest. It was Saif who had planted a bomb near Regal Cinema in Connaught Place.

“Saif had told us that in 2010, SIMI would start killing people and carry out explosions,” said a senior police officer, who did not wish to be named.

This information was shared with the central intelligence agencies at that time. Saif, however, could not reveal much about the plans, the officer said.

“Saif said he had limited information about IM’s activities. Atif Ameen had all the details about the group’s operations,” said the officer.

Security agencies suspect absconding IM members could be behind the Pune blast.