Sleeper cells under close watch

Borwankar told reporters,“Through our Pune Anti Terrorism Cell (PATC) and a special squad of the Special Branch we have been keeping a close watch on activities of suspected sleeper cells of banned organisations and also on people whom we suspect to have links to such organisations. The cell is keeping a vigil on groups suspected to be active in the city after changing names.”

She added,“We are still not able to catch some of the identified operatives. Our officers are following them.”

Stating that information gathering at all levels is police priority,Borwankar said,“Show of force is a deterrent but preventing such attacks by gathering information is a very important task. We currently have two well-trained personnel at all 29 police stations under Local Information Bureau (LIB). All these personnel have received training at Maharashtra Intelligence Agency. We are in regular touch with sister investigation agencies.”

She said citizens are a very important source of information. “We have asked police stations to hold meetings of all citizens committees and make them aware of the importance of sharing information with police. They are our eyes and ears.”

“We have identified some operatives of banned organisations. We have about 45 names of activists from banned organisations like the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) whom we suspect to be active,” said PATC inspector Sunil Tambe.

Speaking on steps to train personnel,Tambe said,“We will send two police personnel from each police stations,some of who are from the LIB,besides 15 personnel from PATC for a refresher course with the Maharashtra Intelligence Academy. They will be trained specially on anti-terror activities.” On Wednesday night,Pune police stepped up vigil and beefed up security in Pune.