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DANGER AHEAD? The bus in which the the two Taiwanese tourists were shot at outside the Jama Masjid in Delhi. pic/imtiyaz Khan

The search for the culprits for the New Delhi terror attacks has widened, as city's anti terrorism squad (ATS) officials have been asked to fan out to different districts in the state looking for vital clues in the Jama Masjid shootout. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is right on their heels having modified its operational tactics to match the new modus operandi of the IM.

"The modus operandi in the New Delhi attacks is new. It is similar to the one used in Palestine where another bomb is timed a little later to cause more casualties. The firing was a red-herring so that policemen would be caught unaware when an explosive went off a little later," said a senior ATS officer, who did not want to be named.

Another change in tactics by IM, which was noticed by ATS officials, is that the IM module has used firearms for the first time.

Officials are hopeful that the use of weapons could provide them with vital clues to the module. ATS officials are running background checks on all IM suspects who have undergone arms training across the country. It has also issued red corner notices for all wanted suspects.

Officials are also keeping a keen eye on right-wing militants, keeping in mind that the attack took place outside the Jama Masjid.

"As of now there are no definite clues and the teams are starting from scratch. However, systematic investigations can lead the police to the culprits," remarked a senior officer.

A large number of IM recruits have reportedly undergone arms training under Mohammed Nagori, a top IM leader.
The ATS is examining the possibility of the recruits being from the Choral camp in Uttar Pradesh, where seven
9 mm pistols were distributed to 21 recruits. The same weapons were allegedly used in the attack outside Jama Masjid. Similar weapons and training were also imparted to recruits at Indore and Khandwa. A few names under the scanner include Adnan, Hafeez, Manjar, Danish, Sibli and Subhan from Mira road.

Local arms
Sources also informed that a large number of locally manufactured arms were distributed from Bhuranpur in Madhya Pradesh.

Cops in and around Mumbai are keeping a tab on all the gunrunners.

It is very likely that they would have useful information if illegal arms were supplied in the city.

Investigators are also suspecting that new and inexperienced modules are being used to carry out the attacks.

This was evident from the fact that the Jama Masjid attack was amateurish and ill-planned.

It also points to the fact that most IM operatives are on the run and that the Indian government has turned the heat on terror outfits. A large number of the modules have been busted in recent years, a senior police officer pointed out.

A senior official also revealed that a special team has been sent to Bhatkal and Bangalore to round up few suspects, who they believe could be involved in the attack outside Jama Masjid.

Officials from the ATS are also still trying to decode the details of the e-mail for further clues with the help of the Intelligence Bureau.

A source also revealed to MiD DAY the ATS has strengthened its network to nab the 10 most wanted IM terrorists, who could be involved in blasts across the country.

"Our jurisdiction is spread across the country. We have our own network and data bank of information on terror outfits," informed a senior ATS officer.