Chavan points serious communication lapse in Mum blasts

New Delhi, Jul 15: Two days after the deadly terror attack in Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has commented that he was not able to establish contact with top police officers for almost 15 minutes. He was quoted as saying the same in an interview to a television channel.

Soon after the triple bombings in Dadar, Zaveri Bazaar and Opera House, mobile communication seem to have collapsed within minutes of the strike that was carried out between 6:50 and 7pm. Chavan was quoted as saying, "I could not contact chief of police, DGP for 15 minutes. That is very serious."

Terming the incident as a serious gap especially at times when every passing minute can be critical especially during events of terrorist attacks. Chavan has taken serious cognizance of the lapse and said that the lacunae needs to be plugged by getting satellite phones or even dedicated mobile networks for the purpose of communication in such pressing times.

Chavan also spoke on the rising public anger at the system with the increasing number of attacks in Mumbai and termed it "legitimate". He also added that things were much better than the previous Mumbai attacks in Nov 2008 and said, "It will be too ambitious to say we can ensure 100 per cent safety."

He also slammed the red tape that prevents the administration from buying crucial security equipment like CCTVs. He added that there was poor security and intelligence due to problems in police transfers and postings in the state.

He had earlier stated that 12 task groups have been put on action to investigate the deadly attacks that led to the death of 18 people. Chavan also stated that the role of the underworld and Left-wing extremists are also being probed.

Chavan was lauded among the national and international press for his sensitive and tactful handling in the Mumbai Blast aftermath. On the BJP raising the pressure on the ruling government, Chavan stated, "I was very upset that one of the political parties tried to politicise the issue. They have a right to criticse but there is a time and a place."

OneIndia News