The Inspector General of Police (Konkan region), Parambir Singh, has decided to take legal action against former Mumbai police commissioner Hassan Gafoor, for his remarks that he and other senior officers dithered about “responding to the situation” during the 26/11 attack.
“What Gafoor has said is malicious and incorrect and I will take legal action against him,” said Singh, who was posted as the additional commissioner of police of the Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) at the time of the attacks.
“I was the first to reach Vidhan Bhawan and talk to Arun Jadhav and inform the control room about the death of senior officers. I was the first to reach Chowpatty after the encounter. I was at Oberoi for two days and was seen on TV,” said Singh. Claiming that he was one of the first senior officers to have reached Chowpatty after lone surviving gunman Ajmal Kasab was captured, Singh added.
“I have spoken about my role beforethe Pradhan Committee and I am sure it has been mentioned in their report,” Singh added.
In an interview to a newsmagazine recently, Gafoor had said, “a section of senior police officers refused to be on the ground and take on the terrorists. By doing so, they chose to ignore the need of the hour.” Apart from Singh, Gafoor had taken the names of Deven Bharti, additional commissioner of police (Crime), KL Prasad, former joint commissioner of police (Law and Order) and K Venkateshan, former additional commissioner of police (Southern Region). Gafoor, however, has denied this and claims he was misquoted.
Reacting to the charges, Bharti said, “I do not believe in groupism and do not want any certificate from anyone.” He further said, he does not know what prompted Gafoor to pass such remarks. “It is sad that with such remarks, Gafoor is portraying a wrong side of the police force to the nation,” Bharti said. Venkateshan refused to comment stating he has not read the article.
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