Karnataka Chief Minister N Dharam Singh on Thursday declared that the attack on Indian Institute of Science campus in Bangalore was an act of terrorism.

He said investigations were on to identify the outfit involved.

Singh, who also holds the home department, said the special team entrusted with the probe has secured certain clues.

He said investigations into the incident point towards a 'planned act' and might have involved about three persons.

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The government has decided to step up security in all international and national conferences to be held in the city, Singh said.

The incident has created fear among people, he said, adding that he has directed the police to take steps to create confidence in the minds of people and step up security and vigil.

Singh said the government has decided to increase mobile patrolling and post more police personnel at important locations.

He assured people that there was no need for panic and that the security agencies were fully alert to meet any situation.

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The chief minister said central intelligence agencies had sounded an alert that Bangalore could be a target for terrorist attack about an year ago and all precautions had been taken.

Singh rejected a suggestion that the terrorist attack will affect the investment climate in the state.

He also denied that there was any security lapse.

The government will also be providing adequate security to devotees attending the mahamasthakabishekha of Lord Gomateshwara at Hassan in February, Singh said.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Director-General and Inspector-General of Police B S Sial said there was no specific input from central intelligence agencies on the terrorist attack, but they had sounded that Bangalore was a 'soft target' for terror attacks.