US Vice-Prez on two-day visit to city

Sharad Vyas & Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: US Vice-President Joe Biden, who is on a four-day visit to India, was to arrive in Mumbai late on Tuesday. Biden andhiswifeJillwillbe putup in Hotel Taj Mahal Palace during their two-day visittothecity.
 

    A state official said Biden’s visit will focus on trade, business and industry, and also touch upon the broader issue of Indo-US engagement. “We are preparing to present an overviewof the state’s industrial achievements and investment opportunities available in several sectors here,” said a senior official of the protocoldepartment.
 

    On Wednesday, Biden is scheduled to deliver a policy speech attheBSE, andthen hold aroundtablewithbusinessleaders and corporate honchos at Hotel Taj. On Thursday, he will interact with teachers and students at IIT-Bombay, Powai, before taking off for Singapore—the last leg of his visit to the SouthAsian region.
 

    Mumbai police personnel will guard Biden, though he has his own security cover. “We are following the same security pattern used during US President Barack Obama’s visit three years ago.Asonelaneleading to thehotelwill remain closed, residents have been issued ID cards. Quick response team commandos will be posted around the hotel and Force One personnelwillbeon standby duty,” said an officer. 

 

The Times of India, July 24, 2013

Boat on security detail springs a leak

OFF DUTY: Bandobast duty along the city's coast ended after the Obamas left the city

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: A police patrol boat that was brought in from Ratnagiri to be a part of the security detail during US President Barack Obama’s stay in the city met with an accident near the lighthouse at Colaba, on Sunday night. The boat, S a g a r S h a k t i, was returning to Ratnagiri after the threeday bandobast when the accident took place. No one on board the vessel was injured, said police officials. The boat is currently being repaired at the Ghadiyal docks in Mumbai, after which it will return to Ratnagiri.

Qauiser Khalid, deputy commissioner of police (port zone) said the vessel had sprung a leak after the accident. “A hole was noticed in the bottom of the boat and water had started entering it,” he said, adding that the people on board included an officer, a commando team, the captain and an engine driver.

Two such boats were called in from Thane, two from Raigarh, one from Ratnagri and one from New Mumbai during the presidential visit.

According to officials, in addition, four teams of MARCOS (marine commandos) belonging to the Indian Navy, two speed boats and three trawlers were also patrolling the seas. “The trawlers were patrolling the waters near the Gateway of India, INS Shikra and the Navy training school,” said a source. In fact, during the bandobast several foreign ships had tried to enter the restricted area but were diverted to the Vessel Traffic Management Port. The police had also requested the Navy to deploy a helicopter for air surveillance. “The Navy personnel in the helicopter had photos of all the ships and boats belonging to the police, Navy and Coast Guard so it was easier for them to the vessels while on duty,” said an officer.

Sources said that 350 policemen from the port zone, a hundred Navy personnel and 50 f Coast Guard personnel were on duty at sea. “Policemen and coast guard officials were present at all the 54 landing points in and around the sea,” said the officer.

The Times of India, November 9, 2010

Boat on security detail springs a leak

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: A police patrol boat that was brought in from Ratnagiri to be a part of the security detail during US President Barack Obama’s stay in the city met with an accident near the lighthouse at Colaba, on Sunday night. The boat, S a g a r S h a k t i, was returning to Ratnagiri after the threeday bandobast when the accident took place. No one on board the vessel was injured, said police officials. The boat is currently being repaired at the Ghadiyal docks in Mumbai, after which it will return to Ratnagiri.

Qauiser Khalid, deputy commissioner of police (port zone) said the vessel had sprung a leak after the accident. “A hole was noticed in the bottom of the boat and water had started entering it,” he said, adding that the people on board included an officer, a commando team, the captain and an engine driver.

Two such boats were called in from Thane, two from Raigarh, one from Ratnagri and one from New Mumbai during the presidential visit.

According to officials, in addition, four teams of MARCOS (marine commandos) belonging to the Indian Navy, two speed boats and three trawlers were also patrolling the seas. “The trawlers were patrolling the waters near the Gateway of India, INS Shikra and the Navy training school,” said a source. In fact, during the bandobast several foreign ships had tried to enter the restricted area but were diverted to the Vessel Traffic Management Port. The police had also requested the Navy to deploy a helicopter for air surveillance. “The Navy personnel in the helicopter had photos of all the ships and boats belonging to the police, Navy and Coast Guard so it was easier for them to the vessels while on duty,” said an officer.

Sources said that 350 policemen from the port zone, a hundred Navy personnel and 50 f Coast Guard personnel were on duty at sea. “Policemen and coast guard officials were present at all the 54 landing points in and around the sea,” said the officer.

The Times of India, November 9, 2010

OFF DUTY: Bandobast duty along the city's coast ended after the Obamas left the city

Boat on security detail springs a leak

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: A police patrol boat that was brought in from Ratnagiri to be a part of the security detail during US President Barack Obama’s stay in the city met with an accident near the lighthouse at Colaba, on Sunday night. The boat, S a g a r S h a k t i, was returning to Ratnagiri after the threeday bandobast when the accident took place. No one on board the vessel was injured, said police officials. The boat is currently being repaired at the Ghadiyal docks in Mumbai, after which it will return to Ratnagiri.

Qauiser Khalid, deputy commissioner of police (port zone) said the vessel had sprung a leak after the accident. “A hole was noticed in the bottom of the boat and water had started entering it,” he said, adding that the people on board included an officer, a commando team, the captain and an engine driver.

Two such boats were called in from Thane, two from Raigarh, one from Ratnagri and one from New Mumbai during the presidential visit.

According to officials, in addition, four teams of MARCOS (marine commandos) belonging to the Indian Navy, two speed boats and three trawlers were also patrolling the seas. “The trawlers were patrolling the waters near the Gateway of India, INS Shikra and the Navy training school,” said a source. In fact, during the bandobast several foreign ships had tried to enter the restricted area but were diverted to the Vessel Traffic Management Port. The police had also requested the Navy to deploy a helicopter for air surveillance. “The Navy personnel in the helicopter had photos of all the ships and boats belonging to the police, Navy and Coast Guard so it was easier for them to the vessels while on duty,” said an officer.

Sources said that 350 policemen from the port zone, a hundred Navy personnel and 50 f Coast Guard personnel were on duty at sea. “Policemen and coast guard officials were present at all the 54 landing points in and around the sea,” said the officer.

The Times of India, November 9, 2010

Police heroes not invited to meet the prez

Mateen Hafeez & Yogesh Naik | TNN

Mumbai: It’s an irony that not a single cop involved in the 26/11 gunbattle against Pakistani terrorists at the Taj Mahal hotel got to meet the US President Obama who checked in there on Saturday. While those who played key roles in tackling terror were not invited, the others who got personal invitations for an event to commemorate the attack were denied permission to meet Obama by their bosses.

Police inspector Deepak Dhole, who was in the first batch of policemen to reach the Taj on the night of November 26, 2008, was injured in a grenade attack by the four terrorists. But instead of getting a chance to meet Obama, he was deployed for crowd control like all other 43,000 police personnel deputed to protect Obama. On Saturday afternoon, as Obama drove to the Taj, Dhole was at Colaba junction on bandobast.

Another officer Bhaskar Kadam, who played a vital role in capturing the only Pak terrorist, Ajmal Kasab, alive, was in the Taj on security detail. But he too was not part of the event to mark 26/11.

A police officer, who had shot Pakistani terrorist group leader Ismail Dera Khan dead was also not invited for the function.

‘‘We are posted for bandobast near Mani Bhavan. It’s a tragedy that President Obama will be visiting Mani Bhavan and the police team could have been invited to meet him there too. Moreover, he passed through Girgaum Chowpatty where Kasab was caught alive, but it seems that those who fought the terrorists do not matter for the higher-ups,’’ said an officer.

It’s not clear why cops who were invited weren’t allowed to attend. Sources said the police brass may have been upset that Obama did not visit the police gymkhana where a memorial for policemen killed on 26/11 has been erected.

It is also learnt that several senior officers, who were indeed given invitation, could not attend the function since there was no clear instruction from their superiors. ‘‘As per procedure, we required a permission from the senior cops but in this case, our bosses did not give us a goahead,’’ said an officer.

Director-General of Police D Sivanandhan denied he had stopped any officer from attending the event. He said invitations were sent by the US consulate and were personal. ‘‘Even I got an invite, but I preferred to stay in office handling security,’’ he said.

The Times of India, November 8, 2010

Eleven roads will be closed to public

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: As many as 11 roads near the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower will be closed during the duration of US President Barack Obama’s stay. Colaba has become a fortress with plainclothes policemen conducting extensive security surveys over the last two days. Exit and entry points to and from the Taj are also being monitored, said officials.

Besides Colaba, Marine Drive, Haji Ali Junction, the junction at Metro, the road opposite the BMC and St Xavier’s College will be closed. “We have been told that the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, the Western and Eastern Expressways, Mohammed Ali Road, and J J Flyover will be open on Saturday and Sunday,” said an officer. More than 700 personnel from the traffic police will be posted across the city to monitor traffic flow. “Residents staying in Colaba will be allowed to access buildings via Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg,” said Vivek Phansalkar, joint commissioner of police (traffic). He added that road restrictions may be changed at the last minute. “We have asked residents staying near the Taj to collect their passes. Colaba Causeway will remain open, but no vehicle can be parked there,” he added.

ROAD BLOCK
Some of the roads that will be closed to the public from Saturday 6 am to Sunday 4 pm

• Ramchandani Marg (From Radio Clubbehind the Taj to Henry Road Junction

• Mahakavi Bhushan Marg to J A Allana Marg

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg (from Regal Junction) and Battery Street

• Mahakavi Bhushan Marg to Henry Road

• Naoroji Furdoonji Road at the junction of Boman Behram Marg

• Radio Club Road

• Steven Street shall be closed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg

• BEST Marg (Electric House junction to P Ramchandani Marg junction)

The Times of India, November 5, 2010

Colaba becomes a fortress

Police to issue 500 passes to car owners residing near the Taj

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: The area around the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, where US President Barack Obama will be based during his visit to the city this weekend, will resemble a fortress. Vehicular movement will be restricted, and the police will issue car passes to residents in Colaba. Without the pass, no vehicle will be allowed into the lanes and bylanes around the hotel, said officials. It’s not just motorists who are under the scanner—residents have been asked not to take evening or morning walks on the promenade (Apollo Bunder) prior to and during the presidential visit.

Rajnish Seth, joint commissioner of police (Law and Order), said the Colaba police has been meeting with residents. “We will issue passes to nearly 500 cars. Housing societies have agreed to these arrangements,” he said. Such elaborate security measures will also be taken in all places that Barack and Michelle Obama are likely to visit.

Vivek Phansalkar, joint commissioner of police (traffic), said the roads the convoy is likely to use will be kept clear or closed to the public. “Restricted roads will not be open to the general public. No parking will be allowed on these roads or at places that the US President will be visiting. The restriction will begin from the morning of November 6 and will continue till Obama’s departure on November 7.” Officials are considering issuing Id-cards to residents who live near the Taj. Despite stringent security measures, the police insist that Diwali celebrations will not be hampered. “Citizens can celebrate Diwali, but cannot burst firecrackers near the Taj ,” said an officer. Seth added that the police is in charge of security arrangements with “the cooperation” of US security agencies. It will be business as usual for shops in Colaba.

26/11 CST and police heroes to meet Obama
Two 26/11 heroes who helped commuters at CST when the terrorists opened fire—Vishnu Zende, an announcer at CST and Jillu Yadav, head constable of the Railway Protection Force (RPF)—may be meeting President Barack Obama this weekend. Central Railway general manager Kul Bhushan has also been invited as a higher official guest. CR officials said the US embassy is yet to confirm the time, date and venue of the function honouring survivors and heroes of the terror strike. “The GM’s office received the invite from the US embassy on Monday,” said the source

Among the police, senior IPS official Sadanand Date who now heads Force-1, Vishwas Nangare-Patil superintendent of police, and other officials who helped fight the 11 gunmen during the 26/11 terror attack are likely to meet Obama at a function to be held in the Taj on November 6, said senior Mantralaya officials. Date and Patil, however, were not available for comment

Planes carrying Obama’s helicopters and cars arrive at Mumbai airport
Every detail of US President Barack Obama’s schedule from the time of his arrival in Mumbai
to the mode of transport is shrouded in secrecy. Two US aircraft carrying helicopters for the VVIP team landed in Mumbai on Tuesday, fuelling speculation that it is unlikely that
Obama will be travelling to the Taj by road

“The two aircraft, called Truck 1 and Truck 2, arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday. More planes will be arriving in the coming three days,” said an official. The planes will be carrying five choppers and cars that will be part of Obama’s entourage

Even the exact time of Air Force One’s touchdown in Mumbai is shrouded in secrecy. According to sources, US President Barack Obama’s schedule has been revised, and he is expected to arrive in the city at 11.35 am on November 6, and not early in the morning, as was initially reported. This schedule, too, is likely to change. “Every day, there is a change in the schedule as it is constantly being revised,” said a source

Meanwhile, a US ship is also expected to arrive in Mumbai. At the time of going to press, it was 20 nautical miles west of the city

Armed members of presidential entourage to be limited?
If the stage government has its way, not every member of Barack Obama’s entourage will be allowed to carry weapons during his visit to Mumbai this weekend. This decision was taken by the state government on Tuesday and has been conveyed to US officials, said a senior Mantralaya official. The rationale behind this move is that there is an adequate security ring around Obama and the US delegation accompanying him. “We have enough policemen—SRP and other agencies like Force-1 and the NSG—stationed in Mumbai. They will take excellent care of Obama’s security arrangements and also of the people who are accompanying him. There is no need for every member of the US delegation to carry a weapon,” the official added. Obama is likely to be accompanied by a 3,000-strong delegation

The Times of India, November 3, 2010

A boat census to ensure a safe sea

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: With just a few days left for US President Barack Obama’s visit to the city, the police have completed a census of boats in the waters of the Arabian Sea that falls under their jurisdiction. Apart from the thousands of boats, more than 38,000 crew members were also examined over the past couple of days.

In its headcount of the vessels docked along the Mumbai’s coastline, the force found that 5,500 fishing boats, 87 passenger boats and 120 speedboats used the city waters every day. Incidentally, such an exercise has never been taken up by the state authorities, not even after the 26/11 terror attack, when 10 gunmen entered the city through the sea route. “. We decided to do it now, to ensure safety for Obama during his trip to the city,” said a senior police official.

The exercise included a background check of vessels, their owners, crew members and routes they follow. Each vessel’s paperwork was also verified, said a senior police official, adding that cargo vessels, were also and checked.

During the US President’s visit, no fishing trawler or passenger boat will be allowed within five nautical miles of the Gateway of India. “The Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB) has agreed to this condition and will give these boats an alternative docking station during the period,” said another senior official.

The police have also roped in agencies such as MMB and
Harbour Master for security. The MMB will assist the men in khaki in monitoring the coast when the patrol boats and four speedboats that the department owns will keep an eye on the waters and 150 police personnel will be stationed at the sea.

The Times of India, November 2, 2010

Cops shore up security & undertake ship census

LEAVING NO SHIP UNTURNED: Census includes yachts and speed boats

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: The city police is leaving nothing to chance, no stone-—in this instance, ship—will be left unturned to ensure that the US President Barack Obama’s short visit goes off without a hitch. The Force is in the process of taking a census of all ships docked along Mumbai’s coastline. Such a census has never been undertaken by the state authorities, not even after the 26/11 terror attack, when 10 gunmen entered the city using the sea route.

The census will include a background check of vessels, their owners, crew members, travelling areas, etc. Each ship’s paperwork will also be verified, said a senior police official. Even small ships, fishing trawlers (there are 5,000 registered vessels), passenger boats, speed boats and luxury yachts will be checked. The police have already begun checking the papers and identities of crew members and verifying the smart card issued to the 5,000-odd fishing trawlers. These smart cards had been issued by the department of fisheries to the trawlers in 2009. During the security drive, cargo vessels, too, are being intercepted and checked.

According to senior police officials, the ship census will begin on October 27. “This information will be collected by the staff of senior inspector of the Yellow Gate police station and will be analyzed,” said the official. No fishing trawler or passenger boat will be allowed within three nautical miles from the Gateway of India. “The Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB) has agreed to these conditions during a recent high-level meeting. It will also decide on and allocate another docking station for these boats,” said another senior official.

The police estimate that there are around a hundred passenger boats and 150 speed boats operating near the Gateway of India.

The MMB will be assisting the police in monitoring the coast during Obama’s visit. Besides the 23 existing patrol boats, four speed boats will be roped in for the patrol. Another three new speed boats that are currently being fitted, may also be given to the city police. Around 150 police personnel will be stationed at sea during the two-day period. “Each police team will be led by an officer and four constables. They will be equipped with AK-47s, wireless sets, all-weather search lights, life jackets, etc. Beyond five nautical miles, the sea will be monitored by the Coast Guard. Quisar Khalid, deputy commissioner of police (Port Zone) said that the Force will be on high alert, but refused to divulge any details.

Patrolling Coastline
The police are conducting background checks of vessels, their owners, crew members, travelling areas, etc
No fishing trawler or passenger boat will be allowed within three nautical miles from the Gateway of India
Around 150 personnel will be stationed on patrol and speed boats to monitor the coast during Obama’s visit.

The Times of India, October 27, 2010

Cops shore up security & undertake ship census

LEAVING NO SHIP UNTURNED: Census includes yachts and speed boats

Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: The city police is leaving nothing to chance, no stone-—in this instance, ship—will be left unturned to ensure that the US President Barack Obama’s short visit goes off without a hitch. The Force is in the process of taking a census of all ships docked along Mumbai’s coastline. Such a census has never been undertaken by the state authorities, not even after the 26/11 terror attack, when 10 gunmen entered the city using the sea route.
The census will include a background check of vessels, their owners, crew members, travelling areas, etc. Each ship’s paperwork will also be verified, said a senior police official. Even small ships, fishing trawlers (there are 5,000 registered vessels), passenger boats, speed boats and luxury yachts will be checked. The police have already begun checking the papers and identities of crew members and verifying the smart card issued to the 5,000-odd fishing trawlers. These smart cards had been issued by the department of fisheries to the trawlers in 2009. During the security drive, cargo vessels, too, are being intercepted and checked.
According to senior police officials, the ship census will begin on October 27. “This information will be collected by the staff of senior inspector of the Yellow Gate police station and will be analyzed,” said the official. No fishing trawler or passenger boat will be allowed within three nautical miles from the Gateway of India. “The Mumbai Maritime Board (MMB) has agreed to these conditions during a recent high-level meeting. It will also decide on and allocate another docking station for these boats,” said another senior official.
The police estimate that there are around a hundred passenger boats and 150 speed boats operating near the Gateway of India.
The MMB will be assisting the police in monitoring the coast during Obama’s visit. Besides the 23 existing patrol boats, four speed boats will be roped in for the patrol. Another three new speed boats that are currently being fitted, may also be given to the city police. Around 150 police personnel will be stationed at sea during the two-day period. “Each police team will be led by an officer and four constables. They will be equipped with AK-47s, wireless sets, all-weather search lights, life jackets, etc. Beyond five nautical miles, the sea will be monitored by the Coast Guard. Quisar Khalid, deputy commissioner of police (Port Zone) said that the Force will be on high alert, but refused to divulge any details.
Patrolling Coastline
The police are conducting background checks of vessels, their owners, crew members, travelling areas, etc
No fishing trawler or passenger boat will be allowed within three nautical miles from the Gateway of India
Around 150 personnel will be stationed on patrol and speed boats to monitor the coast during Obama’s visit.

Cops sweep Colaba clean for Obama visit

US President Barack Obama

Mateen Hafeez | TNN

Mumbai: Clueless about the itinerary of US President Barack Obama, city police have begun searches in over a hundred lodges, guesthouses and paying-guest accommodations to sanitize the area of his stay during his November 6-7 visit. Obama will be staying at Hotel Taj Mahal Palace and Towers, Colaba, along with his entourage of security guards and US officials.

The move is significant as the Taj, Nariman House and Cafe Leopold, all located in Colaba, were targeted by the 10 terrorists from Pakistan on November 26, 2008. Eighteen foreigners, including four US nationals, were killed in the attacks.

Colaba police said they were checking all elements that could cause law-andorder problems. “We are doing an assessment of over 100 hotels, paying-guest centres and lodges and checking records of all staying there,’’ a senior police official said. All foreigners in the area will also be screened. Though police haven’t been given a security plan yet, all precautionary measures are in place, and hotel customers who pay in cash will be thoroughly scrutinized, he added.

The Times of India, October 26, 2010

Friday meet with US officials on security detail

BMC workers paint a road divider on a section of Marine Drive on Monday

Sanjeev Shivadekar & Mateen Hafiz TNN

Mumbai: White House officials will meet the state protocol and senior home department officials on Friday to review security arrangements for US President Barack Obama’s Mumbai visit early next month.

“Issues related to the security and protocol will be discussed in the meeting,” said a senior Mantralaya official. With less than two weeks to go for the US President’s visit, the state administration is yet to receive his official itinerary. “The tour plan is not being revealed by US officials for security reasons. In the meeting with the White House officials, the state government is likely to get a rough sketch of Obama’s tour plans,” the official added. The meeting with the US delegation will be chaired by additional chief secretary Chandra Iyengar and will be attended by Sumit Mallick, chief protocol officer, Mumbai police commissioner Sanjeev Dayal and other senior police officials. Dayal on Monday said they were unaware about Obama’s programme. “We will have a meeting with security liaison officers of the US Secret Service, in which police may be informed of the US President’s itinerary,” he added.

Officials from the US Consulate met Chavan on Monday, but government officials refused to reveal any information about the meeting. “The US officials have already expressed their displeasure with media reports stating Obama has turned down chief minister Ashok Chavan’s request to meet him,” an official said.

Significantly, the state government which had firmly said no to Obama’s visit to CST railway station and Chabad House, has stated it has no objection if he visits Shaheed Smarak at the Mumbai police gymkhana. “Visit to 26\11 terror target spots will create security issues and inconvenience to the public. If the US President wants to pay tribute to the victims of 26\11, the martyr’s memorial is the suitable place,” the official added.

The Times of India, October 26, 2010