Cops to learn how terror works, from close range

Joint Commissioner of Police Crime Rakesh Maria said, 8220;Terror cannot be combated by a particular agency or a department of the police alone. The fact that Sadiq Israr stayed incognito at Cheetah Camp in Trombay for such a long time without anyone having any clue proves the time has come for the local police to be imparted knowledge about such elements.8221;

According to Maria, the project will start in a few weeks and all DCP-rank officers will be invited to participate in detailed discussions with investigators who cracked the case and interact with the terror suspects. 8220;It is very important for the local police to know things like how terrorists enter states and establish themselves with fake identities or jobs so as to mingle with the local people to carry out operations,8221; Maria said.

Apart from cops from the city, some officers from places like Thane, Navi Mumbai and possibly Pune are likely to be included in the project.

The information will be passed on by the DCPs to police officers under them. 8220;The beat constable is the one in constant touch with the man on the street and it8217;s very important for him to know the people in his locality, which might help him identify suspicious elements. Hence, in a scenario where terrorists live normal lives within the society, the role of the local policeman in identifying members of sleeper cells becomes more important in preventing terrorist activities,8221; said the Crime Branch chief.