Present report on security measures post 26/11: HC to govt

Observing that it is the state government and police's duty to protect and thwart untoward incidents like terror acts, the Bombay high court on Thursday sought a compliance report from Maharashtra government on what measures it has taken post 26/11 terror attacks.

 "The Ram Pradhan committee formed after the November 26 attack had recommended certain measures to be taken. What does the state government propose to do about them," a division bench of Justices D D Sinha and R G Ketkar questioned.

 The bench, which was hearing a bunch of public interest aitigations filed post the 26/11 terror attack, directed the government to file its reply in four weeks.

"After 26/11, the government has spent Rs 126 crore for bomb detection and disposal squad, bullet proof jackets, vehicles, speed boats and weapons. Is that adequate today? Are they being put to use? Despite all this then why are terrorist activities still going on," Justice Sinha asked.

Anil Sakhre, counsel for one of the petitioner, told the court that Maharashtra Home Minister R R Patil had made a statement that prior intelligence was received before the triple blast on July 13 at Opera House, Zaveri Bazaar and Dadar. He further said that many of the equipments purchased by the government are not even being used.

"You (government) should show that because of all these equipments tomorrow an untoward incident can be thwarted. Otherwise all this will be waste. All important buildings including High court and lower courts should be secured," the bench remarked.

Public prosecutor Pandurang Pol informed the court those special task forces like Quick Response Team and Force One have been created post 26/11 and a unit of the National Security Guard has also been formed in Mumbai.

The bench, however, observed that simple creation of task forces is not enough and said, "What are these forces doing? Where are they deployed after training?"