India | Updated Dec 02, 2008 at 11:38pm IST

Security system not foolproof: Navy chief

New Delhi: In a startling admission, the Indian Navy says the Coast Guard had intelligence about the boat that brought the terrorists to Mumbai.

The fishing trawler hijacked and used by the terrorists was intercepted by the Coast Guard in Indian territorial waters.

But the Coast Guard let the boat go after finding its documents in order.

Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta said that the Coast Guard was made aware of a possible sea attack and that ships had been deployed off Gujarat coast.

"There is a little difference between Indian and Pakistani trawlers. I don't know the authenticity of this information but this morning a newspaper report said that the coast guard had challenged this vessel, it showed papers and went on its way. This is perhaps a lacuna that exists and therefore we will work to sort this out," he said.

He also admitted lacunae existed in coastal security and intelligence sharing, and that better coordination was needed among the security and intelligence agencies.

But he also said the systemic failure that was brought about by Mumbai terror attacks needed to be taken stock of, says Navy chief as no actionable intelligence inputs were provided.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter and Google+)

Comments (12)

All comments will be published after moderation