IB issues Terror Alert for Odisha & 3 Other States

For the first time, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) has included Odisha in the list of vulnerable places to be targeted by terrorists. Just ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to India, the IB has issued terror alerts for four states – Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha.

The IB sleuths suspect that four groups of terrorists have been entrusted with the task of launching terror attacks in these states. In particular, pilgrimage and tourist places will be targeted by the terrorists. Jamaat-u-Dawa (JuD), Jaish- e-Mohammad (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) have reportedly dispatched their groups.

The IB has confirmed that Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple is on the radar of the terrorists. Although there is no specific alert for Odisha, but it is believed that Puri, Konark and Bhubaneswar could be targeted by the terrorists. Puri remains the most vulnerable place, as Nabakalebara 2015 preparations are going on there. The terror groups may strike before January 28, the IB report says.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Government has taken the alert seriously and asked all Superintendents of Police (SPs) in the state to stay vigilant. In addition, all 18 marine police stations have been asked to maintain extra vigil. Security has been beefed up in all major tourist attractions and pilgrimage places.