Now it is official that two operatives of the Indian Mujahideen (IM) had visited State capital Bhubaneswar and Puri ahead of their plan for a possible attack during the annual Car festival to be held in June next.
Director General of Police (DGP) Prakash Mishra confirmed that two IM operatives, Tehsin Akhtar and Waqas, had visited the two cities.
Though the DGP claimed that the interrogation of the two IM operatives did not reveal about their plan, he said the Odisha police must go to the roots and dig out the motive behind the duo’s visit.
Police sources said the IM operatives visited the State twice in January this year and stayed in separate hotels in Bhubaneswar.
Replying to a question, the DGP said, “The motive of their visit is not clear. The interrogation of the two IM operatives by the Delhi police also did not reveal about their plan of possible attack on Puri.”
On being asked if the IM operatives had plans for sabotaging the annual Rath Yatra to be held on June 29 this year, Mishra said, “We have constant vigil on the Puri temple. We have strengthened intelligence also.” He added that the State police are prepared to meet any eventuality.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary JK Mohapatra reviewed the situation and appealed to the media not to publish sensational news on a possible terrorist attack on the Puri temple.