25 March,2009 06:41 AM IST | | Agencies
The November 26 terror attacks exposed the vulnerability of Mumbai's coastline. Mumbai police now want to get the basics right. And it has begun the process by upgrading the tourism police, as reported by DNA.
"After the 26/11 attacks, we realised that tourist spots in the city could be potential terror targets," Niket Kaushik, the deputy commissioner of police (Zone IX), said.
Earlier, a team from the tourism police consisted of two policemen, including a driver, he said.
These policemen kept a round the clock vigil on the 3-km Juhu beach. And they were armed with only a wireless set to get in touch with the local police in case of an emergency, the officer said.
"Now, each vehicle will have at least six policemen, armed with SLRs and carbines. These automatic weapons will help them in case of a terror attack," Kaushik said.
Former police commissioner MN Singh started the tourism police in 2000. The idea was to help foreigners and keep a check on crime against them, an officer said. "We realised only assisting foreigners was not enough. So, we brought in these changes," KL Prasad, the joint commissioner of police (law and order), said.
"Also, increasing the strength of the tourism police will help in effective patrolling."
Moreover, assault vans are there to help tourism mobile vans. "Eight assault vans help the tourism van at Girgaum Chowpatty. And the policemen from Zone II in the assault van are armed with AK-47s, SLRs, carbines, and pistols.
Such assault vans are stationed at important areas in the city," Sanjay Mohite, the deputy commissioner of police (Zone II), said. A sub-inspector heads an assault van. Even the driver is armed with a pistol.
The tourism police patrols mainly Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty, Haji Ali junction, Dadar Chowpatty, Worli sea face, Mahim beach, Carter Road, Juhu beach, and Gorai beach.
