Top cop says if central agency takes over, it will facilitate efficient handling of inquiry and such a move shouldn't be seen as setback for ATS

Director General of Police Ajit Parasnis yesterday said that though the investigations in the German Bakery blast had not been transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) yet, if such a decision is taken he would consider it a pragmatic move.


NO justice yet: The German Bakery after the blast on February 13
last year. file pic

He said that the state government had not received any intimation on such a transfer, but if it does happen, it
should in no way be seen as a setback for the ATS, which was constituted exclusively to investigate terror-related cases and has teams in 12 different places in the state.

"I welcome the Centre's move to entrust a single agency with the probe into terrorism-related cases. A single agency can handle these cases more efficiently," Parasnis said. "Many a times in such cases, the local police investigate the matter. But because of lack of co-ordination between different departments, the probe slows down."

The DGP added that under such circumstances, if a central agency probes the case, it can do so without any hurdles. "Besides, because of possible involvement of foreigners in such cases, the Central agency can seek help and inputs from Intelligence Bureau and Research and Analysis Wing," Parasnis said. The DGP was speaking on 'Challenges before Maharashtra police' at the Patrakar Sangh in the city.