‘We are now better prepared, trained, and equipped’

After 10 Pakistani terrorists created mayhem in Mumbai for over 60 hours on November 26 last year, the biggest challenge for the police machinery was to get justice for all those innocent people who have lost their lives in that carnage. After one of the terrorists was caught alive, Rakesh Maria, joint commissioner of police, crime, was entrusted with the responsibility to investigate about the real culprits involved behind the attacks and file a charge sheet in the case. In an interview to DNA, Maria shares his experience of handling the case which is being scuritnised by the whole world.

When did you learn about the terror strike?
The first call I had received was about the firing at Leopold Cafe in Colaba. My initial reaction was that it could either be a gang war or something to do with the drug mafia. I issued instructions to the officers of the Anti-Extortion Cell to check the incident and report back immediately. However, this was immediately followed by news of firings at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj and Oberoi hotels and Nariman House. This is when I felt that terrorists had attacked the city.

How was your experience of manning the main police control room?
In the span of four hours, we had received 1,365 calls. We attended each call. We also had to send reinforcements, manpower and materials to locations. It was our job to get in touch with the army, navy, CRPF, chief secretary, deputy general of police, commissioner of police and authorities in Delhi. We had to call the National Security Guards (NSG). It was a very big task.

How challenging was it to investigate this case?
This was a unique case as we had to ensure safety of Mohammed Ajmal Amir Kasab. We had received lots of inputs that there were people who were planning to kill him. Also we knew the investigations would be scrutinised by international security agencies. We completed our investigations in 90 days, wherein America has asked for time to investigate the David Headley case.

Can you clear the controversy behind the death of Hemant Karkare, Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar ?
I don't think there was any controversy. It was a sad day. Our investigation is a tribute to these officers. For their memory, we want to ensure that there is a conviction in this case.

Where did the police go wrong on the night of 26/11?
I am proud to say that I am a member of the Mumbai police. Nearly 90 to 95% loss of human life occurred only in the first five minutes of the attack. It was only because of the action of the police, that they couldn't do more damage.

A year later, do you think you are better equipped to face another attack?
Today we are much better prepared — mentally. We have got the best equipment at par with any agency in the world. We have specialised squads like Quick Response Team and Force One to tackle such issues in future.

What is the current response time to any attack? What was it last year ?
Last year, the response time was three to seven minutes. Our officers had reached the spot immediately after they learnt about the attack. Now, also we would again reach the spot immediately, but this time we will be better equipped, trained and prepared then before.

Did the police get important details from the Pakistani dossier?
After we captured Kasab, we recreated the training and conspiracy of the attack. Sitting here we are telling Pakistan what happened on their soil. We gave them names and addresses of 35 people who are wanted in the case. It is for them [Pakistan] to understand, that we need to unite to fight this menace.

Do you think Pakistani defence had a role in training 26/11 terrorists?
As per the call intercepts of the terrorists and their handlers in Pakistan, they are talking about a Major General saahab. They have been provided operational inputs by someone from military background.

Do you have evidence against Hafeez Saeed, Zarar Shah, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Abu-al-Qama?
We have very strong and cogent evidences against these people, which we have already submitted to the court. It is for them [Pakistan] to act.

Do you think the recent David Headley and Tahawwur Rana issue will prolong the trial ?
I don't think so.

Do you think Mumbai is still a safe place for locals and foreign nationals?
Today, no city in the world can say they are immune from terror strikes. But we have managed to secure Mumbai. We can definitely say that.