At a time when a debate is raging over whether the dreaded terror outfit Islamic State was behind the Ujjain train blast, Uttar Pradesh DGP Javeed Ahmad in a candid talk with THE WEEK said that "we must differentiate between fact and opinion". The fact is that an IS flag has been recovered from their hideout in Lucknow and the rest of the theories floating around the case so far is ''opinion''.
How correct is the claim that the IS was behind the bomb planted in a train near Ujjain?
The fact is that an IS flag has been recovered from the hideout of the slain accused terrorist . There is nothing else so far in our investigation that suggests that the IS carried out the attack. Now we will stick to facts rather than giving opinions.
How do you differentiate whether the slain accused terrorist is an IS-inspired or a part of the IS group?
There is no proof to show that he belonged to the IS. He appeard to be part of a self radicalised group of self proclaimed IS sympathisers. Whether the IS owned them is a different thing. Any one can claim allegiance to any outfit but that does not make him a part of that outfit or group .
Have there been intelligence inputs to suggest that the IS was becoming active in Uttar Pradesh or neighboring states?
There has been nothing so far to suggest the same. Radicalisation has been happening and that is something which is not just restricted to the minority community . There are Hindus also who are radicalised . And you would agree that radicalisation as a phenomenon has been on the rise in the country.
What about the claims of Madhya Pradesh police about the role of the IS, and why did the radicalised youth from UP chose a target in another state?
The group decided to carry out the strike in MP and the MP police are probing into it. The one person (Saifullah)—the suspected terrorist, whom we were chasing, is dead.
The Union home ministry has brought in the NIA to probe the matter. Do you think the case requires investigation by the central agency?
If the NIA is going to probe the case, it is most welcome. It's an important case which may have several leads in other states.
Do you see any link of the Bhopal - Ujjain train blast with the other incidents of railway sabotage in the country in the last few months ?
No there is nothing of that sort.
