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Pradhan report slams commando utilisation
Updated On: 02 December, 2009 07:53 AM IST | | Vinod Kumar Menon & Ketan Ranga
No target practice, less than optimum utilisation of funds and shortage of ammunition led to inadequate response to terror attacks
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No target practice, less than optimum utilisation of funds and shortage of ammunition led to inadequate response to terror attacks
The elite commando force or the Quick Response Team (QRT) formed to counter terror attacks in 2003 has not carried out firing practice since 2007, says the Pradhan Committee report.
The startling revelation has come to light by the committee that was formed post 26/11 by the state government to investigate the role of security forces during the terror attacks.
It was learnt that the QRT commandos, who were otherwise expected to undergo target practice every four days, have not done so since September 2007 due to shortage of ammunition.
Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal who was instrumental in forming the QRT said, "Had the QRT been used efficiently and trained regularly they could have tackled the terror situation, for which they were actually formed.
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Ready to Strike: The QRT force of eight officers and 48 men was created in 2003. They are posted for a period of three to four years, till a cutoff age of 35 years. |
Nevertheless, every policeman should get a chance to attend refresher courses, including target practice.
Earlier funds were an issue, but now that is not the case and optimum utilisation of the funds should be done for the betterment of the department to face any eventualities in future."
Wrong facts
However, a senior IPS officer claimed that the facts were wrong and that post 26/11 elite policemen did target practice regularly. But the officer did not elaborate on how often the QRT practiced.
The QRT force of eight officers and 48 men was created in 2003 and are posted for a period of three to four years, till a cutoff age of 35 years. They work in two shifts four officers and 24 men at any given time.
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The committee was even informed that QRTs were not used for the purpose they were created for and were split into small groups.
On 26/11 last year, the QRT was deployed in four teams. Two officers and eightu00a0 men at CST, two officers and nine men at Cama, six men at Taj and two officers and nine men at the Oberoi.
Two QRT men were escorting late ATS chief Hemant Karkare along with personnel from the SPU (Special Protection Unit).
Since Karkare's vehicle was stranded at Haj House due to traffic, the SPU officer and the constable along with two QRT men accompanied Karkare on foot.
They, however, did not accompany him when he finally left by the Qualis.
The QRT team who had made their way into the Taj could seldom do much to fight the terrorist and a reason sighted for their ineffective response was that they had no leader to direct them, a fact recorded by the committee.
Rs 126 Cr
The amount allocated to the Mumbai police to buy new arms and modern equipment after 26/11
Rs 38 Cr
The amount the police have spent on all-terrain vehicles and arms like tactical machine pistols
350
The number of bulletproof jackets the police will soon get
Did you know?
The government has procured u00a0314 bulletproof helmets for u00a0Rs 25 lakh and 97 walkie-talkies for Rs 1.11 crore.
The Ram Pradhan Committee formed by the state government post 26/11, has found instances of how red tape held up many police modernisation plans as well as the purchase of arms and ammunition.
According to the report, DGP AN Roy had informed the committee that the government resolutions (GRs) approving the purchases under modernization program were usually issued in November / December each year after a 13-stage purchase procedure needed to be followed.
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