Mumbai:
In the aftermath of the 26/11 attack, it was expected that the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the state's bulwark against the destructive designs of terror outfits inside the country and out of it, would be strengthened sufficiently to prevent the repeat of any such attempt. The Pradhan committee, which went into the terror strike, had recommended it strongly. Two years down the line, the force headed by Rakesh Maria functions at less than half its strength.
The ATS should have an independent force of 720 police personnel, the committee had recommended. It manages with only 300 now. The reluctance of the Mumbai police chief to release senior officials sought by the ATS has forced the home ministry to push the matter on the back burner.
Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan had raised the question at a review meeting a few days ago. Home minister RR Patil admitted to the paucity of staff and said it remain an area of concern. He, however, said that "the ATS has been equipped with modern arms and ammunition."
Interestingly, even on the eve of the second anniversary of 26/11, the police have received threat alerts resulting in additional deployment of manpower in Mumbai.
The Pradhan committee report had slammed the police department for lack of coordination and inability to define the chain of command that led to utter chaos in decision-making. The biggest challenge for the state government was to streamline the police force.
According to additional chief secretary (Home) Chandra Iyengar, the issue has been addressed. "The police force is clearly structured with defined roles and a chain of command. There is no ambiguity that director general of police is the head of the force," she said.
There are important areas where the state administration has made progress, she added. "Coordination among different agencies has been strengthened with weekly meetings involving the home department, government of India, ATS and the crime branch," she said.
Intelligence collection has improved a lot too, she said. "The first batch of Maharashtra Intelligence Academy is already in place. We have taken steps to beef up coastal security. The director general of police is empowered to take decisions related to weaponry purchases, the process for which is streamlined and standardised.
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