RR proposes new intelligence post

After the July 13 terror strike in Mumbai, which caught both the state and central intelligence agencies unawares, the state home department has decided to strengthen the intelligence gathering mechanism of the Mumbai police.

After the July 13 terror strike in Mumbai, which caught both the state and central intelligence agencies unawares, the state home department has decided to strengthen the intelligence gathering mechanism of the Mumbai police.

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A senior officer in the state home department told HT on Sunday, that a proposal has been mooted by home minister RR Patil to create a new post called joint commissioner of police, Intelligence.

An IG rank officer will hold the post and would be vested with the local intelligence (for Mumbai). The official said the post is for an officer who has served a considerable part of his career in central intelligence agencies.

The criterion for intelligence experience was suggested because this would make the task of coordinating with those agencies easier, the official added.

“Once a senior officer with proven intelligence background is posted as the head of the city police intelligence wing, he would certainly galvanise the existing set up into collecting terror intelligence. Also a direct liaison with central agencies would cut through the delays and red tape involved in third party briefings,” said the official, on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media on this issue.

Despite several attempts, additional chief secretary (Home), Umesh Sarangi was unavailable for comments.