CPI demands inquiry into 'lapse' by RAW, IB

New Delhi, July 15 (UNI) The Communist Part of India (CPI) today demanded an inquiry into the ''colossal collapse'' on part of the RAW and Intelligence Bureau in the Mumbai serial blasts that killed nearly 200 people.

The blasts in seven suburban trains bore the marks of meticulous planning and long-time preparation, Mr Gurudas Dasgupta, party leader in the Lok Sabha, told a news conference here.

''There was a colossal collapse on the part of the security agencies. The government should open an inquiry into the lapse by security agencies RAW and Intelligence Bureau as well as the Maharashtra Police,'' Mr Dasgupta said.

A local link, he said, can't be ruled out because of the efficiency with which the blasts were carried out. ''All our agencies failed to locate the people responsible for the terrorist attack in Mumbai though it would have taken the terrorists a long time to prepare for it,'' he said.

He also accused the Union Home Ministry of not doing enough to coordinate the security.

Terrorists were extending their tentacles in Pakistan,Bangladesh and Nepal, he said, adding there was a role for the Foreign Ministry too in building up pressure on these countries to check terrorist activities.

UNI FZ RL KP1343