Indian agencies working closely with Bangladesh investigators

NEW DELHI: Indian security agencies are working closely with Bangladesh in its investigation into that country's worst terror attack in which 22 people were killed last weekend.

A senior government official said Indian agencies are working in close coordination with the Bangladeshi investigators to unravel the conspiracy behind the 12-hour siege at the Holey Artisan Bakery, popular with expatriates in the diplomatic zone in Dhaka.

"With a friendly government at the helm, we are bound to help Bangladesh. We are doing that," the official said.

However, it is immediately not clear whether Indian officials have joined the Bangladeshi investigators in Dhaka.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the killing of the 20 hostages and two police officers. However, the Bangladesh government refuted the claim, saying local militants were involved in the carnage.

The official here, however, indicated that the Indian security agencies suggested that the links of ISIS were visible in the terror act.

Hostages who were killed include 19-year-old Indian girl Tarishi Jain, nine Italians, 7 Japanese, one American of Bangladeshi origin, and two Bangladeshis.

Six attackers were also killed in the action by the Bangladeshi force and one captured alive.