The city of Pune, Maharashtra, India, was rocked by a devastating terrorist attack on 13 February 2010. At approximately 19:15 Indian Standard Time, a powerful bomb detonated at the popular German Bakery, a well-known establishment in the city's affluent Koregaon Park area. This tragic incident claimed the lives of 18 individuals and left at least 60 others injured, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the attack. Among the casualties were foreign nationals, including an Italian woman, two Sudanese students, and an Iranian student, underscoring the international impact of the bombing.

The Target: German Bakery and its Cosmopolitan Surroundings

The German Bakery, which served as the epicenter of the blast, was a highly frequented spot in Pune. Renowned for its relaxed ambiance, freshly baked goods, and diverse menu, it was a popular gathering place for both locals and the significant international community residing in or visiting Pune. Its strategic location in Koregaon Park added to its appeal and vulnerability. Koregaon Park is a vibrant, cosmopolitan neighborhood known for its cafes, boutiques, and spiritual centers, attracting a global demographic.

Crucially, the German Bakery is situated in close proximity to two other prominent international landmarks: the Jewish Chabad House and the Osho International Meditation Resort. The Chabad House, a center for Jewish outreach and community services, is a spiritual hub for Jewish visitors and residents, similar to the one targeted in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Osho International Meditation Resort, a globally recognized spiritual retreat, draws thousands of foreign devotees annually. This cluster of internationally frequented establishments likely made the area an attractive target for terrorist organizations aiming to inflict maximum casualties and create a sense of insecurity among both Indian citizens and the international community.

The Aftermath and Initial Claims of Responsibility

In the immediate aftermath of the bombing, two self-proclaimed local Islamist groups, Lashkar-e-Taiba al-Almi and the Mujahideen Islami Muslim Front, claimed responsibility for the heinous act. However, Indian government agencies quickly initiated a comprehensive investigation, which pointed towards a more complex and far-reaching conspiracy.

The "Karachi Project" and Key Accused

AccordingThe investigation into the 2010 Pune bombing, according to Indian government agencies, revealed a potential link to an alleged nefarious scheme known as the "Karachi Project." This project was purportedly a strategic initiative by the Pakistan-based Islamist terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) to establish or utilize an indigenous terror module within India, primarily leveraging the Indian Mujahideen (IM). The objective was to recruit and train Indian youth, providing them with funding and logistical support from Pakistan, to carry out attacks on Indian soil. This strategy aimed to give attacks an "indigenous" cover, offering plausible deniability to Pakistan regarding its involvement in cross-border terrorism.

A central figure in the alleged "Karachi Project" and a key accused in the Pune bombing was David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist. Headley, who famously co-plotted the horrific 2008 Mumbai attacks, was known for his extensive intelligence-gathering activities on behalf of LeT. He was accused of having conducted reconnaissance of various potential target locations in Pune, including the German Bakery, the Chabad House, and the Osho International Meditation Resort, as part of his elaborate surveys for LeT. His involvement underscored the intricate network and sophisticated planning often behind such terror operations, linking the Pune bombing to a broader, transnational terrorist agenda.

Investigation and Justice

Subsequent investigations by Indian security agencies led to the identification and arrest of several individuals associated with the Indian Mujahideen, who were ultimately charged and convicted for their roles in the Pune bombing. The convictions brought a measure of justice to the victims and their families, while also highlighting the persistent threat posed by domestic and internationally linked terror groups operating in India.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2010 Pune Bombing

When did the 2010 Pune bombing occur?

The bombing occurred on 13 February 2010, at approximately 19:15 Indian Standard Time.

Where did the Pune bombing take place?

The attack took place at the German Bakery, located in Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

How many people were killed and injured in the bombing?

The blast killed 18 people and injured at least 60 others, including several foreign nationals.

Why was the German Bakery a target?

The German Bakery was a popular spot frequented by both locals and foreign tourists and was strategically located near other international landmarks like the Jewish Chabad House and the Osho International Meditation Resort, making it an attractive target for terrorists aiming for maximum impact and international casualties.

What was the "Karachi Project"?

The "Karachi Project" was an alleged strategy by Lashkar-e-Taiba to establish and utilize an India-based terror module, primarily through the Indian Mujahideen, to carry out attacks within India. This aimed to provide plausible deniability to Pakistan by making the attacks appear to be of indigenous origin.

Who was David Coleman Headley's role in the bombing?

David Coleman Headley, a Pakistani-American terrorist known for his role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was accused of involvement in the "Karachi Project" and for conducting reconnaissance of the German Bakery and surrounding areas in Pune for Lashkar-e-Taiba.