The Investigation of Bodh Gaya Bomb Blasts

Gaya: One month after the infamous Bodh Gaya Blasts, investigators are still clueless about the attackers at large, even though NIA has released the sketches of the attackers and various other underlying facts have been revealed by Police. No arrest has been made so far.

Mahabodhi Temple Prayer Ground

The Premises of Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya  where the attacks took place on July 7

On 16 July, 2013, NIA released the sketches and video clip of suspected person involved in the bombings. According to the NIA the suspect, was seen in Bhikkhu attire, planted four bombs in the Mahabodhi complex. Witnesses spotted the suspect while performing a wrong Parikrama ritual. NIA revealed that the suspected bomber had intention to blow up the prime statue of Buddha but failed to enter inside the sanctuary as the prayers were already started.

The investigators have found that the 13 Lotus brand timers used in the bombings were bought from the shop in Guwahati. They also have found that the clocks attached with the unexploded bombs were manufactured in a factory in Rajkot, Gujarat. The cylinders attached with the bombs were obtained from the Bihar so NIA is suspecting the local involvement as well.

On 8 July, Bihar Police released CCTV footage of the blast sites at the Mahabodhi Temple. Based on analysis of this footage, the Bihar Police released sketches of the suspected attackers. Sahidur Rahman and Saifur Rehman, brothers, from Scotland and Saudi Arabia respectively, were identified from the sketches. They are alleged to be operatives of the Indian Mujahideen.

Another man, Vinod Mistri, was also arrested as his identity card was found at the blast site. He has, however, claimed that he had lost his identity card days before the blasts occurred.[21][15] NIA released Mistri, on 10 July, 2013 for want of evidence after recording statement.

Alleged Indian Mujahideen tweet claimed responsibility for bombings of Bodh Gaya on the same day when the blasts occurred but also warned that Mumbai will be the next target. The IP address was traced to Pakistan, NIA is verifying the claim