Thursday, December 29 2005 12:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh said today (Dec 29, 2005) police are investigating possible hand of terrorist groups in the daring attack on the Indian Institute of Science campus that claimed the life of a professor and wounded four.

"We have suspected that it's a terrorist attack. For that, which country (base of terrorists)...we will verify," Singh said after visiting the campus which has now been turned into a virtual fortress following last evening's incident.

He said police are doing their best to hunt down the culprits. "We are going to trace out the whole thing," the Chief Minister asserted.

Meanwhile, the Centre has asked the State Government to strengthen security in Bangalore.

Singh said he has spoken to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Shivraj Patil regarding the attack and they have directed the State to take steps to beef up security.

Responding to queries, he said the Government has been taking steps on the security front but added that despite all that, it (terrorist strike) happens sometimes.

He denied that there was security lapse.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister visited the two private hospitals where the injured had been taken.