Even as a high-level probe panel in Delhi [ Images ] on Monday spoke of the Godhra train fire as an "accident", the chief investigating officer in the case claimed before the Godhra Commission in Ahmedabad [ Images ] that a "terrorist link" had emerged during his investigations.

Also see: Godhra train fire was an accident -- Report

During his cross-examination by advocate Mukul Sinha before Justice (retired) G T Nanavati and Justice (retired) K
G Shah, inspector Noel Parmar said: "I cannot reveal the name of the terrorist organisation as the case is under
investigation."

Parmar also revealed that it was after the interrogation of a dismissed Central Reserve Police Force jawan that he decided to apply Prevention of Terrorism [ Images ] Act to the train carnage case. "I recorded the statement of the dismissed CRPF jawan, Nanymiya, on October 18, 2002 and after that I decided that POTA can be applied in this case," he said.

Parmar, however, did not reveal what was the statement recorded.