‘We will end factionalism in police force’

RR Patil, 53, is a fighter. After 26/11, he lost his job as home minister. A year later, he has not only staged a comeback but also ensured his rehabilitation in the home ministry. On Wednesday, seated in his spacious chamber at Mantralaya in south Mumbai, he told DNA: “Post-26/11, I have gone through a really bad phase in life. I have done a lot of introspection. I have returned with greater determination to accomplish the unfinished agenda of transforming the Mumbai police force as a world class force.” Excerpts from an interview:

On whether he is willing to accept the failures of the force on 26/11.
I can admit some shortcomings in coordination of work. But the role of the police, whether it was a top rank officer or junior policeman, cannot be dismissed completely. The police were combating a terrorist strike in Mumbai which has no parallel anywhere in the world. Except for the first 45 minutes, which saw maximum casualties, the policemen displayed immense courage by fighting the terrorists throughout the night. It was my policeman who caught a terrorist alive. The National Security Guard (NSG) commandos arrived the next day. How can I undermine the role of the city police?

On how he will ensure coordination in the police force.
If merit is the sole criteria to appointment top police officers it will end factionalism within the police force. We are now formulating guidelines which clearly define the roles of the commissioner of police and the director general of police in such crisis situations.

On how Jt CP (crime) Rakesh Maria and Jt CP (law & order) KL Prasad turned up at the same control room on 26/11.
We are trying to resolve these problems by specifying everybody’s duties and jurisdiction. It will not be repeated in future. The new guidelines are aimed at making them more accountable in their respective jobs. They will have to take the responsibility and deliver. 

On whether action will be taken against Hasan Gafoor, for claiming officers did not listen to him.
Yes, a notice has been served on Gafoor asking him to explain his conduct. If it is true that he has made controversial remarks against colleagues, then it is an act of indiscipline. I don’t think there is any need for these officers to knock the doors of courts when the government has taken serious note and initiated a probe.

On why government is reluctant to release the Pradhan report.
I am wondering whether we should release the report by setting aside the sensitive portions that cannot be disclosed in national interest.

On why good officers like Hemant Karkare wanted to leave the department.
Yes. As I have said, we are taking all necessary steps to ensure high discipline within the police force.

On intelligence failure.
I admit that the entry of terrorists through the sea route caught us offguard. It was beyond anybody’s imagination that they would succeed in dodging the navy and coast guard and enter the city. It was unthinkable.

On his return as home minister
I have returned with full confidence and resolve to make Mumbai police the No.1 in the world. I have accepted the challenge and am ready to lay down my life to ensure the security of the people in Mumbai. No effort will be spared to make people of the state secure.

On Chhagan Bhujbal’s comment that he did not go out of his house on 26/11.
When the news broke I was told some internal gang war was on. Minutes later I got information about a terrorist strike. I immediately rushed from Chitrakoot (Malabar Hills) towards Chowpatty and then CST where firing was going on. The police officials asked me to stay away as the personnel would have unnecessarily rallied around me. I left the spot and returned home. Later, we all went to the director-general’s control room and monitored the developments. I think it was teamwork.