Mumbai violence: 'Police ignored Intelligence warnings'

Mumbai: The violence that rocked the city on the weekend as demonstrators protesting against Assam riots went on a rampage, left the city police red-faced.

Reports now suggest that the Mumbai Police erred in anticipating the threat of violence even in the presence of available Intelligence.

Additional CP Special Branch had reportedly sent an Intelligence report warning of a difficult law and order situation, also warning that crowds upward of 10,000 could gather at a prominent park in the city.

Reports suggest that the Mumbai Police erred in anticipating the threat of violence even in the presence of available Intelligence.

The GRP had relayed information that a mob was travelling along the eastern suburbs towards CST station and could be armed.

Given that rioters were equipped with spiked rods, sticks and stones, investigators believe that the attack may well have been pre-meditated.

Home Ministry sources say that leads pertaining to the possible involvement of elements of the underworld are also being probed.

Meanwhile, the man who is under flak from his own party chief Sharad Pawar - state Home Minister RR Patil - is now clearly in the line of fire for continuing Intelligence failure.

Vinod Tawde, a state BJP leader, said, "The law and order situation has gone down in Maharashtra. RR Patil cannot manage the law and order situation. We need strong political leadership."

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