Chavan assures adequate security after Headley's revelations

Nagpur, May 26: Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today (May 26) assured of adequate security arrangements in Maharashtra in the wake of testimony by the 26/11 accused, David Coleman Headley, about Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray.

"Headly had revealed in Chicago that Thackeray was also a target of Pakistan intelligence agency ISI and the Indian government was awaiting details from the US government through official channels about the exact plot but at the same time Maharashtra government was reviewing security arrangements of individuals including Thackeray," Chavan told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

The state government has been in constant touch with Centre and is sharing intelligence "even on hourly basis" and there was "nothing to worry". After the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Maharashtra government has geared it up to face any challenges, he added.

On a Rs 11 crore bill submitted by the ITBP, guarding Ajmal Kasab in Mumbai, Chavan said there was no controversy over the payment of paid-security for Kasab, adding, "I will talk to authorities in Delhi and settle the issue".

Chavan informed the state government has introduced a panel system to split Prabhags into two wards in municipal corporations and four wards at council levels, ahead of the 2012 civic polls.

The Chief Minister dismissed reports of any rift with the NCP over the MCB issue. "No one should read more into Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's absence today for inauguration of divisional sports complex in city," he said.

On filling up lone Rajya Sabha seat in Maharashtra, Chavan said the decision will be taken by the party high command.

PTI