New Delhi: Ahead of the tabling of the Ram Pradhan Committee report on 26/11 terror attacks in the Maharashtra Assembly on Monday, former state chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has demanded action against erring police officers.
Deshmukh - who was forced to step down after the 26/11 attacks - says politicians should not be the only ones to be penalised.
"The role of politicians has been investigated. Many of them even resigned. That doesn't mean only politicians can be held responsible. We hope that even the role of the police will be investigated," Deshmukh said.
"There were lapses in both the ends. I think the police officials cannot escape the strict actions which should be definitely taken against them," added BJP Spokesperson, Balbir Punj.
Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, who held the Home portfolio in the state, had also resigned so had then union home minister Shivraj Patil.
Deshmukh said political leaders had accepted moral responsibility and stepped down.
The government had earlier come under attack for refusing to reveal the report saying it would compromise sensitive information.
The Ram Pradhan panel report had severely criticised then Mumbai Police commissioner Hasan Gafoor. The report says there was poor cohesion and communication in the working of the Police Commissioner's office. The panel blamed the police commissioner's office for failing to observe standard operating procedures during 26/11.
The Ram Pradhan report also pointed out glaring holes in the preparedness of the Mumbai Police, saying they were severely lacking in arms and ammunition, and that the bullet-proof jackets were shoddy.
The Ram Pradhan panel had, however, praised the actions of Joint Commissioner (Crime) Rakesh Maria.
The report ruled out foul play in the deaths of top cops Hemant Karkare and Ashok Kamte and said they were there (Cama hospital) by pure chance. However, it confirmed that intelligence was received that hotels could be a target and that the terrorists would come by sea.
CNN-IBN had first reported the main findings of the Ram Pradhan Committee.
The government has now formed a core committee, which includes Opposition leaders of both Houses of the Assembly, to discuss the report and suggest future course of action.
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