The terror module that bombed New Delhi on November 9 had plans to avenge the Babri Masjid demolition that happened 33 years ago. New reports quote intelligence sources that a much larger strike was planned for December 6 -- the anniversary of the 1992 demolition.
NDTV reported that a string of 6, or maybe 7, explosions may have taken place in the national capital if the terrorists' plan was successful. Their plan was divided in 5 phases, all of them leading to a potentially devastating attack in New Delhi.
Here is a breakdown of the phases, as per NDTV.
Phase 1: Formation of the terror module
Phase 2: Procurement of explosive devices
Phase 3: Manufacturing of weapons and other bombs
Phase 4: Distribution of bombs to other terrorists
Phase 5: Execution of coordinated attacks in Delhi
The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya has been at the centre of multiple communal riots in India. These include the one immediately after the demolition in 1992 and the Gujarat riots in 2002.
Earlier reports claimed the group intially planned to carry out strikes in August this year, potentially on India's Independence Day. But that plan reportedly failed due to operational delays.
Other media channels also quoted intelligence sources to say January 26 -- India's Republic Day-- was also considered for a strike much deadlier than the recent one near Red Fort.
India's cracks down on terror
India's government on Wednesday vowed to bring the "perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors" of a deadly car blast in the heart of the capital to justice and called it an act of terrorism.
The powerful blast on Monday killed at least 12 people and wounded 30 others, according to hospital officials.
"The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion near the Red Fort", a cabinet statement read, after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It was the first confirmation that India is treating the blast as an act of terrorism.
The historic Red Fort in the crowded Old Delhi quarter of the city is one of India's most well-known landmarks, and the site of the annual prime minister's Independence Day speech.
