New threat for Bangalore: Suicide bombers

THE POLICE on Friday said they have received a letter warning of terror attacks by human bombs on New Year?s Eve. The targets: the chief minister?s residence and a five-star hotel near it.

THE POLICE on Friday said they have received a letter warning of terror attacks by human bombs on New Year’s Eve. The targets: the chief minister’s residence and a five-star hotel near it.

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As the threat comes just two days after the attack at the IISc, the police said they were not taking chances. Heavy security — 4,500 policemen and three quick reaction teams of the army — will be deployed at key points in the city. The letter, sent by one Moinuddin, claimed it would be “one of the most systematic executions ever to take place in the country”. It was also faxed to newspaper offices.

Though Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh played down the threat, his residence and the nearby areas were combed for explosives on Friday and security was stepped up. Police Commissioner Ajai Kumar Singh sought to play down the letter, but said “every alert, every tip-off will be verified” to thwart another attack in Bangalore.

Meanwhile, central security agencies and police detained one person in Bangalore and an unspecified number in Hyderabad for questioning in connection with the terrorist attack at the Indian Institute of Sciences there. The person, hailing from Mangalore, was picked up by the security agencies for his suspicious movements in the it city, informed sources said.

Some people having a history of anti-national activities have also been detained in Hyderabad for questioning, the sources said.They said the attackers of the IISC had erased all the markings on the weapons and grenades before carrying out the strike on December 28.