Maha govt convenes crime conference on August 21-22

Meet occurs ahead of 10-day Ganesh festival, amid terror threats

Amidst Centre's tips on terror strike and recent attacks from Naxalites, the Maharashtra government has convened a crucial crime conference on August 21 and 22 in Mumbai.

The conference to be inauguated by the the chief minister Prithviraj Chavan is taking place ahead of 10-day Ganesh festival which is celebrated big way in the state from September 9.

The proposed meet will be attended by director general of police, additional directors general of police, inspector general of police, commissioners of police and superintendent of police. The meeting is crucial when the Mumbai police has arrested a naxal bomber on Saturday in north east Mumbai.

A senior police officer, who did not want to be identified, told Business Standard, ''The additional director general of police will make a detailed presentation on timely tips received by the Centre on terror attack, strikes by naxalites and communal riots. During the conference a critical review with regard to the preparedness of the police department as a whole will be taken and the concerned police heads especially from the sensitive regions will be asked to further tighten the security to handle any eventuality.''

The officer said the Ganesh festival is celebrated with great fanfare and the government does not want to take any chance especially in the wake of communal riots in Jammu.

Further, state government official recalled that last month Mumbai police had issued a terror attack following spate of attacks in various parts of the country. ''Mumbai has been on radar of various terrorist organizations even after the 26/11 attack.

The police is quite well equipped but will keep a close eye. The police has taken a couple of anti-terror initiatives including Operation Bravo and Mumbai Kavacch. The police stations across the city will also have anti- terror cells.''

Besides, the government has taken an aggressive stand to firmly deal with the naxalite forces although restricted to Gadchiroli and Gondia districts in Vidarbha region.

''However, the pro naxalite organizations are spreading their activities in Pune which is a cultural capital of Maharashtra and a prominent city known for Ganesh festival. Recently posters showing sympathy to naxalite movement were displayed in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra.

"The government is quite determined to address the issue through action from the security agencies and also simultaneously implementing development programmes,'' the officer noted.