Pune blast a blot,advisories ignored: Chidambaram

The Home Minister said enough information had been shared with the Maharashtra Government about the terrorist threat.

He said consequently,the Pune Police had issued an advisory to all establishments in the Koregaon Park area of Pune on October 9,2009. German Bakery manager Praveen Pant had acknowledged the receipt of the advisory. The advisory was repeated in December. However,establishments in the area did not pay any heed to the advisories. These establishments,according to him,had to take their own minimal security measures,which was not done.

Responding to queries of members,the minister said the Centre was encouraging all states to set up anti-terrorist squads and NSG hubs,modernise their police forces and procure advanced weapons.

Regarding the inadequacy of bullet-proof jackets in Maharashtra Police,the Home Minister said the Centre planned placing an order for their purchase for the central forces and the state could either piggyback the Centre or make its own procurement.