Saffron Terrorism Case Study

3. Answering Through Questions
Was NIA investigation under political pressure? What was the reality of saffron terrorism? Why Aseemanand, Sadhvi Pragya, Sunil Joshi and Col Purohit came under the scanner?
Several doubts flashed through my mind. I needed to come back to my spontaneous self before asking them. It was only possible by opening up to him. My question was straightforward. He paused for few a seconds before answering. It gave me a chance to recollect all the questions I wanted to ask.
You don't have to worry about missing any answer while interviewing in front of the camera. The electronic eye doesn't miss anything. I have recorded several such shoots in Dictaphone and later even in cell phones. I didn't have the same luxury this time. I had given my word not to shoot him and the fate of such an important interview depended on my writing speed. The silence was to ascertain there is no snooping around. ‘A question about his looks and attire did not appeal him enough,’ I thought as I prepared to ask my next query.

However, I was stopped by a heavy voice. “You also wear suit most of the time, why jeans and T-shirt today?’ Finally, came the answer.
The question clarified two things; he will weigh me before coming to

The NIA officer reasoned that he didn’t want to put me at risk and was taking precaution even now for my safety. He elaborated that agents like him are well-trained to face any danger but their acquaintance can sometimes put others in trouble. He was still on duty snooping some terror suspect and the apprehension of his activities being monitored can never be dismissed altogether. He confided that caution had become a part of his habit and it is the reason he likes to be in disguise. I must confess that I was a bit nervous after hearing this and enthusiasm gave way to tension. It could well have been a signal that I must conclude this dialogue without wasting