State goes on Rs 20 crore feel-good shopping for cops

State spends Rs 20 crore to buy high-tech security equipment that experts believe is nothing, but a confidence-building measure; some goods don't even comply with Indian specifications

In a knee-jerk reaction to the Mumbai terror attacks, the state government has gone into an overdrive to procure a list of weapons and sophisticated equipment for the city's police force. However, sources say the list consists of several items that are not on a priority, but have been included as a confidence building measure.

Sources revealed that a total of 32 items, at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore, have been short-listed for immediate procurement. The list includes 120 life jackets, 20 life rafts, five launch speedboats and 60 ring guards, indicating that security forces are expecting another attack through the sea. "But the only problem is that some of the foreign goods do not comply with Indian specifications," said a supplier, who did not want to be named.
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He quoted the example of the 1700 sq cm front and 1800 sq cm back bulletproof vests with hard insert plates. He said these are rarely available with military hardware in developed countries.

Home Minister Jayant Patil was at the police headquarters, gauging the quality of equipment required by the police. A senior police officer claimed that attempts are being made to keep arms agents at bay. Two agents with strong links to several IPS officers are supplying most of the hardware and accessories bought by the Mumbai police.

Shopping list
19 satellite phones, GPS systems, 100 helmets with torches, 100 bulletproof helmets, 250 bulletproof jackets, imported dungarees (boiler suits) for 80 commandos. More than 60 bulletproof shields and 80 non-skid shoes

IPS officers' seminar
A two-day police seminar that was attended by nearly all senior IPS officers in the state concluded on Tuesday. The focus of the seminar was the purchase of high-tech military hardware and arms. Strategies to foil terror attacks and strengthen coastal security were discussed at length.