Karkare’s bulletproof vest was sub-standard: Govt tells Bombay HC

The state government made a startling revelation to the Bombay high court on Wednesday — the bulletproof jacket worn by slain anti terrorism squad chief Hemant Karkare on 26/11 was sub-standard as it was not the one originally ordered.

According to the submission, the original jackets were resistant to AK-47, SLR 7.62, 9mm carbine, 9 mm pistol and .38 revolver, but the jackets finally delivered were of sub-standard quality.
However, the affidavit filed by deputy commissioner of police Vijaysingh Jadhav on behalf of the state, says that even if Karkare was wearing the original jacket on 26/11, it would not have prevented his death because the bullets had pierced his throat and neck.

The affidavit states that tests on sample jackets provided in March 2001 had shown that they could give protection against AK-47, SLR 7.62, 9 mm carbine, 9 mm pistol and a .38 revolver.
But jackets received in June 2004 could protect only against .9 mm ball FMJ and grenade fragments.

Contrary to the affidavit, a report on tests on the jackets in March 2002 says the sample was tested for AK-47, SLR 7.62, 9 mm carbine, 9 mm pistol and .38 Revolver. The report was signed by Ashok Kamte (then DCP Zone-I) — who died along with Karkare on 26/11.

The affidavit also denies any corruption on the part of the staff of the CP’s office in placing the order for two consignments of the jackets.