A white statue of Indian independence movement leader Mahatma Gandhi at a north-western village Dudu, near the Indian city of Jaipur, was left covered in brown paint with pro-Islamic State (Isis) slogans. According to reports, the status was also marked with an Isis (Daesh) terror attack threat.

Investigations are ongoing as locals remain fearful of a possible Daesh attack as celebrations begin for Republic Day on 26 January. Meanwhile, officials have been deployed near the area as security is beefed up prior to the festivities, according to local reports.

The Daesh claims left on the statue, however, remain unverified and no party has claimed responsibility. Earlier, intelligence officers in India reportedly intercepted talks between senior Isis militants in Syria planning a terrorist attack to disrupt the Republic Day celebrations in India.

Recently, a letter signed by Isis was also sent to the Indian State Secretariat as a warning on impending action against the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ban on beef in some states in the country. The letter allegedly from Isis reads: "Since you are not allowing beef to be consumed, you will be taken care of."

The letter was believed to be targeting Modi and Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. A similar letter signed off by Isis was sent to the anti-terrorism squad (ATS) officers in Indian cities Pune and Mumbai, on 12 January.

India remains on high alert as the Republic Day festivities begin. Earlier, Indian politician Lalu Prasad Yadav accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to protect the country. Yadav was referring to the Pathankot terrorist attack, where militants from Pakistan were engaged in a gun battle with security personnel at an Indian Air Force Station.

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