Maharashtra expedites process to procure jackets, helmets

Having faced flak for procuring sub-standard bulletproof jackets, which failed to withstand AK-47 bullets, Maharashtra Police today accelerated its process to purchase the jackets and helmets, one-and-a-half years after the Mumbai terror attacks.

Having faced flak for procuring sub-standard bulletproof jackets, which failed to withstand AK-47 bullets, Maharashtra Police on Wednesday accelerated its process to purchase the jackets and helmets, one-and-a-half years after the Mumbai terror attacks.

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The department, which has not procured a single bullet proof jacket since the November 26, 2008 terror attacks, today held a meeting with top bullet-proof vest and helmet manufacturing firms, which displayed their ware at the state police headquarters in south Mumbai.

"Representatives of around 10 vest manufacturing firms showcased the goods to a committee appointed to review the quality of the jackets. The committee is headed by Mumbai Police Commissioner D Sivanandan," Dilip Srirao, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Provisions), told PTI.

With samples of their products, producers of jackets and helmets briefed the police brass in details about their products, its technical features and other details, he added.

Sources said firms have showcases the jackets and helmets, which could face bullets of advanced weapons including AK-47.

The police administration later clarified that the bulletproof jacket worn by Karkare could stop bullets fired from a 9-mm pistol but not an AK-47 rifle.