Fresh developments in the investigation into the recent car blast in Delhi have revealed that the terror module behind the incident had planned attacks on outlets of global coffee chains in the national capital, officials said on Thursday.
The low intensity explosion occurred when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off inside a parked car in a busy market area. While the blast caused damage to nearby vehicles and shops and left a few people injured, there were no fatalities. Security agencies immediately treated the incident as a terror linked act and launched a detailed probe.
Targets Identified
During interrogation of suspects and forensic analysis of seized electronic devices, investigators discovered that the group had carried out reconnaissance of several popular cafe locations in central and south Delhi. These outlets, frequently visited by young people and tourists, were chosen to maximize civilian casualties and create fear in public spaces.
Sources said the terror module planned to plant explosives inside bags and leave them inside or near crowded café outlets during peak hours. Encrypted chats recovered from mobile phones and laptops referred to “Western symbols” and “Soft targets” indicating the motive behind selecting international coffee chains.
Terror Network and Arrests
The accused are believed to be part of a larger terror network with ideological and logistical links to handlers operating from outside India. Several suspects have been arrested, and others are being questioned for their role in arranging explosives, conducting surveillance and providing shelter and communication support.
Security agencies have invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code against the accused. Investigators are also examining whether the same module was planning similar attacks in other metropolitan cities.
Security Tightened
Following the blast and the revelations about intended targets, security has been intensified at crowded commercial areas, cafes, malls and metro stations across Delhi. Police have increased night patrols and deployed additional personnel at vulnerable locations.
Senior officials said the timely detection of the terror plot prevented a larger tragedy. “The suspects were in an advanced stage of planning. Their identification and arrest have helped neutralize a serious threat” an officer involved in the probe said.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are continuing to trace financial links, digital footprints and possible cross border connections of the terror module. Further arrests are expected as more evidence is examined.
Officials have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or abandoned objects to the nearest police station.
