Joginder slams intelligence apparatus

Bilaspur, Aug 7 (UNI) Alleging that India's intelligence agencies are rather weak and proved unsuccessful over time, former CBI director Joginder Singh feels that either an independent commission or a parliamentary special committee should be formed to review the intelligence apparatus.

Mr Singh's remark came in response to a media question on the 7/11 Mumbai transit terror assault and other matters at the local press club yesterday.

''As of now, intelligence agencies are subjected only to departmental review. Inputs supplied to departments or state governments are extremely misleading,'' the ex-IPS officer said.

Admitting that the CBI was always subjected to political pressure as it is under direct government control, Mr Singh claimed that the top investigating agency always functioned impartially which was why political parties and the common man alike desired CBI probes into criminal and corruption cases.

''Even the judiciary hands over several cases to the CBI. It is upto the agency's chief as to how he or she tackles government and political pressure,'' he added.

Referring to the Volcker issue, Mr Singh pointed out that the BJP was demanding a CBI inquiry.

''The country's media is proving meaningful and effective. The manner in which the Jessica Lal case was highlighted forced the government to act. Media ought to initiate a campaign against corruption,'' he felt.

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