At least two senior officers of the Delhi Police, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the first intelligence inputs regarding a possible terror strike by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the national capital were received ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. The alerts specifically warned of potential attacks on religious places. Following the inputs, a high alert was declared across the city, and security was tightened in and around prominent religious establishments.
According to the officers, the Special Cell convened an initial meeting soon after receiving the inputs to chalk out a comprehensive security plan and strengthen anti-terror measures to deal with any possible threat. Surveillance, deployment, and contingency strategies were discussed to ensure preparedness.
The officers further stated that similar threat inputs were received again after the February 6 suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, which killed at least 31 people and injured several others. Intelligence agencies suspected that the group might attempt retaliatory action.
Subsequently, specific intelligence inputs reported and suggested that the outfit could be planning an improvised explosive device (IED) attack, with a temple in the Chandni Chowk area identified as a potential target. The reports indicated that the terror group was allegedly seeking to avenge the Islamabad mosque blast and could be planning a major strike in India.
“Blast alert in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. Terrorists may target a temple in Chandni Chowk. Lashkar-e-Taiba is plotting an IED attack. They are planning a major terrorist attack in India to avenge the February 6 mosque blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. Major temples in the country can be targeted,” intelligence sources were quoted as saying.
Security Upped Across City
The officers said the inputs pointed to possible attacks on temples located around the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. With Mahashivratri approaching, the Special Cell held a second review meeting and decided to further intensify security arrangements, particularly at Lord Shiva temples and venues hosting Mahashivratri-related events.
As part of the heightened vigil, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer, along with trained commandos and Special Cell personnel, was deployed in and around the Gauri Shankar Temple in Chandni Chowk on February 15, officials said.
One of the officers noted that although the threat inputs were later assessed as non-specific or inconclusive, security measures remain in place, especially with the ongoing AI Summit in the capital. “Delhi is always on high alert as it frequently figures among potential targets in intelligence assessments,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, officials quoted by PTI said that intelligence inputs are still being verified and analysed. As a precaution, security has been stepped up at sensitive religious locations and crowded public areas. Coordination between central agencies and Delhi Police has been strengthened, with enhanced CCTV monitoring, random vehicle checks, and additional personnel deployed at vulnerable spots.
Bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and quick reaction teams have also been positioned at strategic locations to respond swiftly to any emergency, officials added.
January Terror Alert
The latest developments come nearly a month after intelligence agencies reportedly issued a separate alert ahead of Republic Day (January 26), warning that Khalistani extremist groups and Bangladesh-based terror outfits could attempt to target Delhi and other major cities.
According to an ANI report in January, intelligence inputs had flagged increased activity by Punjab-based gangsters allegedly acting as operatives for Khalistani and other radical handlers operating from abroad. The alert suggested that these criminal networks were being used to further extremist agendas and destabilise internal security.
Sources had indicated that such elements were active across Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, gradually building links with extremist organisations.
These recurring alerts also come months after the deadly explosion near the Red Fort, where a car laden with explosives detonated near the historic monument, killing over a dozen people and exposing what investigators later described as a major terror module.
While officials emphasise that many alerts are precautionary in nature, they stress that security agencies remain vigilant and prepared to respond to any credible threat to the national capital. (Agencies)
