After security goof-up during Israel official’s visit, cops hunt for reason

It has been revealed that Consulate General of Israel, Mumbai, communicated to Pune city police on August 20 about Zamir’s visit. As per a copy of the communication accessed, Ziv Raban, vice consul and chief security officer of Consulate General of Israel, Mumbai, wrote to Pune police commissioner Satish Mathur that Zamir would visit Pune by road on August 23 and return the same day.

It further mentions, “Due to the current threats the Israelis have, we would appreciate if you could kindly provide an escort jeep with armed policemen for all movements of Mr. Zamir in Pune… He (Zamir) will be attending a public meeting at 18.00 hrs to express solidarity with Israel in its war against terrorism…”

“We would appreciate if you could provide the following security arrangements at the event: Bomb squad and sniffer dog to check premises at 17.00 hours before the arrival of guests, armed policemen in uniform and in civil clothes, policemen at the gate and entrance of the hall, armed police jeeps…”, it was stated.

Ranjeet Natu, secretary, IISF, said, “The Israelis are very sensitive on security issues. Mr. Zamir reached at 5 pm. But there were no security arrangements till 6 pm. There was no security gadgets, metal detectors or cops. The security officer who accompanied Zamir was not satisfied with this considering the threats to Israelis in view of Gaza violence. Apparently, Zamir decided not to come on stage. So we called some senior police officials. Cops started coming after that. The bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) also reached. Security checks started around 6.30 pm and went on for 40 minutes.”

Another IISF member said, “We got calls from Pune police officials today seeking information about the matter. It seems some inquiry is on to find what went wrong. Cops supported us well. But if security was in place at 5 pm, it would have created a better impression on foreign officials.”

When mediapersons who came to cover the talk contacted top Pune city officials, they said they were not aware of it. An officer from the Consulate General of Israel said, “We did send a note to the special branch of Pune police and other agencies on August 20. We confirmed over phone whether they received it.”

Zamir told this reporter over phone, “There was some miscommunication… it may have happened only due to some communication lapse. Soon after, we told Pune police. In quick time, they reached the spot and did a good job. Police teams conducted proper security checks.”

DCP (special branch) Pathak said he has taken up the issue seriously. He said that special protection unit (SPU) officials were deployed.

Pathak asked his officers to check who received the communication from the Consulate General of Israel and find out if there were any lapses.