Inter-Agency Rivalry Seen In Rattan Saigal Case

The charging of former Intelligence Bureau (IB) special director Rattan Saigal, of overstepping his brief as the chief of the counter-intelligence wing of the IB, has brought into focus investigations by the IB into the Purulia arms dropping case.

A note written by Saigal to the cabinet secretariat in the middle of last year, in which he is said to have been highly critical of the role of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) - the external intelligence arm of the government, is now being considered as the reason which led to the ace sleuths downfall. The note is said to have pointed out specific instances of failures on the part of the external intelligence agency -- in warning of the arms dropping and the overseas inquiries in the case.

 

Keeping in mind this note, I would presume that the famed `nter-service rivalry is at play again, said a source, who has served with the intelligence agencies. Inquiries by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had revealed that the Purulia arms were meant for Anand Margis. However, the inquiries have reached a near dead-end.

The theory that Saigal may be a victim of inter-agency rivalry is further buttressed by media reports. RAW chief Ranjan Roy is reported to have sent a note to cabinet secretary T S R Subramaniam last week, suggesting that the authority to liasion with officials of overseas intelligence agencies should be handed over to RAW from IB. The note also pointed out that agencies like Mossad and CIA are responsible for interacting with foreign intelligence officials in their respective countries. Coming as it does in the wake of the Rattan Saigal episode, the move to clip the wings of IB cannot be seen in isolation, the source said.