A previously unknown militant group, the Deccan Mujahideen, claimed responsibility for the attacks in an e-mail to local media, writes James Lamont.

The Deccan plateau in southern India has historical links to ancient Muslim rulers - suggesting that radicals are claiming local roots for jihad. Another group, the Indian Mujahideen, has claimed to have carried out attacks in Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Jaipur.