The Indian Express   06.08.2012

Gaze turns to role of police, people and PMC

Around 7.30 pm on Wednesday, when the first low-intensity blast occurred near the gate of Balgandharva Rangmandir, the security guard deployed there by the PMC had gone to switch off the motor that fills up water tanks at the auditorium. Had he been at the gate where he was supposed to be, it would have helped city police get vital information, say investigators.

“Just 10 minutes before the blast occurred, I had gone to turn off the water motor,” said Sachin Pawar, the guard. He is supposed to guard the VIP gate. However, he said he also does other work at the auditorium.

PMC security in-charge Santosh Pawar said he has asked the water department to ensure that they appoint their own personnel for water-related works. “A security guard has to do his assigned job,” he said.

Investigating officials said had the guard been in his place, he could have given information about what happened with Dayanand Patil, who was carrying the plastic bag that exploded near Balgandharva gate. “The needle of suspicion was first on Patil. Now, it is believed that he was the victim. In the absence of eyewitnesses, the efforts were channelled in the wrong direction,” said officials.

What added to the problem for investigators were the non-functional CCTV cameras near the blast sites. Mayor Vaishali Bankar said the CCTVs were not working due to a dispute between the PMC and police over their maintenance. “This has been resolved today,” she said.

The ‘missing guard’ incident and non-functional CCTV cameras have highlighted the fact that if various agencies guard their own property, equipment and areas under their charge, such incidents could be nipped in the bud, said police officials.

Police commissioner Gulabrao Pol said, “If each one of us, including the police, civic body and the people, remains alert and does their respective duties effectively, we can easily foil the such incidents.” The police chief said he would speak to civic officials about guarding its properties.

Civic activists said the PMC should ensure that it provides proper security at its properties in sensitive areas like Jangli Maharaj Road, Fergusson College, Shivaji Road and Bajirao Road. “At night, security guard are found drunk or playing cards,” activist Vijay Kumbhar said.

Activists said the city civilian police, too, have been caught napping. “The Balgandharva police chowkie is just a stone’s throw away from the spot where the blast site. Besides, a police van was permanently placed near the IAC pandal from where Patil had reportedly picked up the bag containing explosives. The police should get out of their chowkie and be on the streets,” Kumbhar said. He said even at Deccan, where bicycles with explosives were placed, the role of traffic police could be questioned. “Traffic police and traffic wardens are mostly seen at busy places. They should also keep a vigil at other areas and activities, too,” he said.

Activist Jugal Rathi said though it would not be possible for PMC to guard each and every property, it should tighten security at crowded places like the Garware subway.Deputy municipal commissioner K C Karkar the decision regarding guarding bridges and subways was taken at the highest level. PMC security chief Santosh Pawar said if there was a demand to place guards at Garware subway, the PMC will consider it.