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MUMBAI: Guess how much India is spending on keeping the sole surviving 26/11 Pakistani terrorist alive and healthy in prison? Over Rs 30 crore

and counting.

As India observes the first anniversary of the terror attack on Mumbai, the cash-strapped Democratic Front government in Maharashtra has so far spent a staggering Rs 31 crore, or nearly Rs 85 lakh per day, to keep the 21-year-old terrorist from the Pakistani town of Faridkot safe and secure enough to stand trial.

Incidentally, the state is set to wind up its presentation of evidence in the ongoing trial in the special court at Arthur Road jail on Thursday. However, the trial, which began in May, is not likely to finish soon – special public prosecutor Ujwal Nikam reckons it will take another two-three months to come to completion.

“The state’s debt has crossed the Rs 1.85 lakh crore mark. But of course, where security of the state and the country is concerned, we don’t discuss the financial situation,” a senior government official told TOI. Of course, the Rs 31 crore figure is strictly unofficial since the government is wary of letting out any information on Kasab.

On the post-terror attack expenditure, the official said, following the directives of the Centre, besides procuring weapons for emergency use, vehicles and equipment, two special cells were created inside Arthur Road jail and JJ hospital.

“There was a huge expenditure on the construction of a special cell inside the high-security Arthur Road jail. It has been designed in such a manner that even if a truck laden with explosives were to ram into it, the cell would not be dented. Such safeguards are essential to protect Kasab’s life – and to establish Pakistan’s involvement in the attack,” he said.

Besides the special prison cell, another cell was created inside JJ Hospital for Kasab’s treatment.

“We spent nearly Rs 1 crore for the creation of a bullet-proof cell on the JJ Hospital premises. But he was never taken there, instead, doctors were summoned to the Arthur Road jail, whenever Kasab had a health problem,” he said. Incidentally, Kasab, who was wounded before being captured, has been attended to by anywhere between 16-24 doctors for his various ailments in the past year.

The official pointed out that there was also a huge outgo on deployment of central forces to guard the Arthur Road jail and towards payment of fees for the public prosecutor and lawyers appearing for Kasab.

“It’s a costly affair, but we had no option,” he said.

Meanwhile, home minister R R Patil, who was asked to resign, following public anger over police inaction during 26/11, has promised full security to the city on Thursday. “Nothing should happen tomorrow,” Patil, whose reappointment in the new government raised quite a few eyebrows, said on Wednesday. What may have added to his confidence is the fact that an NSG battalion with 258 commandos has already landed in the city from Delhi as a security-boosting measure.

Patil also told TOI that while 15,000 police vacancies had been filled in the last year, another 21,000 posts were still vacant.

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RAMADI: Iraq’s Camp Bucca, the US-run jail where around 100,000 prisoners were kept over six years, was a breeding ground for the al-Qaida terror

network, according to police and former inmates.

Bucca, located in an isolated desert north of the border with Kuwait, was a school for scores of Takfiris, or Sunni extremists who usually ended up in Al-Qaeda, said Abu Mohammed, freed in 2008 after 26 months behind its bars.

“The illiterate and straight-forward people were the easiest prey for indoctrination,” said the 32-year-old resident of Ramadi, the former insurgency stronghold 100 kilometres west of Baghdad.

Opened after the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Camp Bucca was the biggest detention centre in Iraq housing up to 22,000 prisoners in 2007.

At its closing on September 17 this year, there were only 8,000 inmates who were transferred to Camp Cropper in Baghdad and Camp Taji, north of the capital.

“The two suicide bombers and the majority of suspects detained after the twin bombings of August 19 against the foreign affairs and finance departments, which killed 95, were released shortly before from Camp Bucca,” a senior interior ministry official told AFP.

Captain Brad Kimberly, spokesman for the US prisons authority in Iraq, told AFP that “to date, we’ve not received any evidence suggesting a former detainee may be involved in either attack.”

PARIS/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari allegedly received millions of dollars in kickbacks for the purchase of three French

submarines for the Pakistani Navy in 1994, a French daily has reported.

Citing documents acquired by it, the daily ‘Liberation’ in Tuesday’s edition claimed Zardari received $4.3 million in kickbacks from the sale of three Agosta-90 submarines for 825 million euros (currently $1.23 billion).

In addition, the daily said investigators believed that the non-payment of the full amount of the agreed kickbacks may have led to the deaths of 11 French nationals in a 2002 terror attack in the port city of Karachi.

In Islamabad, a spokesman of the government has taken serious exception to the claims made by the daily.

The spokesman said the purchase of equipment by the Armed Forces of Pakistan is done through a proper competitive process under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence.

Zardari was neither the President nor the Prime Minister nor the Defence Minister when the submarines were purchased, the spokesman said.

The then ‘Admiral’ responsible for this purchase was investigated by the Accountability Bureau but no allegation of misdoing could be established by the investigation authorities against Zardari, the spokesman added.

SLAMABAD: Suicide bombers on Friday struck Pakistan’s powerful ISI hitting its operational headquarters in northwestern city of Peshawar and a

Pakistani security officials secure the site of a bomb blast at the ISI building in Peshawar. (AFP Photo) More Pictures

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police station nearby in Bannu, killing 20 people, including seven personnel of the spy agency.

The strike on the spy agency overseeing Pakistan’s anti-terror campaign and on the police station left 85 people wounded and came as 30,000 troops were pressing Taliban and foreign militants in their stronghold in lawless Waziristan.

A suicide attacker rammed his explosives-laden truck into the gate of the ISI office within the cantonment of Peshawar city at 6.40 am, killing at least 12 people and injuring 60 others, police said.

The bomber’s car was packed with about 200 kg of explosives, IGP Malik Naveed Khan told reporters.

Though the well-armed guards opened fire on the car to stop it, the attacker rammed his vehicle into the three-storey building reducing it to rubble, police said.

The blast brought down the front and middle portion of the building and its sound was so loud it could be heard up to 20 km away. Bodies lay strewen on the road and police fired in the air to keep the onlookers away till the bodies were taken to hospital.

Just an hour later, a second suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden mini truck near the main police station at Bakakhel in Bannu district of NWFP, killing eight persons and injuring 25 others.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday made it clear that it could focus on American demands to do more in the war against terror only if the US used its

influence with India to lessen tensions and to press for the resumption of the stalled composite dialogue process.

This was conveyed by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani to visiting US National Security Advisor James Jones during a meeting here this afternoon.

The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on the regional security situation and bilateral cooperation.

Gilani said Pakistan is fully committed to take its operations aimed at clearing its territory of terrorists and extremists to their logical conclusion but “its forces were over-stretched because of continuous tension on the eastern border” with India.

“It was imperative that the US should be sensitive about Pakistan’s core interests, i.e. Kashmir, the water issue, Indian military capability and the requirements of balance of power in South Asia,” Gilani was quoted as saying in a statement issued by his office.

“The US, hence, has to use its influence with India for resumption of the composite dialogue and lessening of tension with Pakistan to enable Pakistan to concentrate its attention and energies in the fight against militancy and terrorism,” he said.

NEW DELHI: She calls him the god of cricket and as Sachin Tendulkar completes 20 years of a glorious international career on Sunday, melody queen

Lata Mangeshkar hopes the batting maestro plays for another 10 years before even considering retirement.

A self-confessed Tendulkar fan, Mangeshkar said she wants the veteran right-hander to win the 2011 World Cup for India.

“I want Sachin to win the 2011 World Cup. Not only that, I wish he continues as long as he is playing well, hopefully at least for the next 10 years. He has a lot of cricket left in him,” Mangeshkar said.

Mangeshkar said she gets upset every time there is speculation about Tendulkar’s retirement.

“I don’t know why people start talking about his retirement despite the fact that he is playing so well. I don’t like any criticism directed at Sachin.

Asked if she considered Tendulkar as the world’s greatest batsman, Mangeshkar said, “Sir Donald Bradman has acknowledged Sachin’s greatness, can I say more? Bradman saw glimpses of himself in Sachin, I don’t think there is any better compliment for him than this.”

“He was and remains a very good player. Bowlers are still scared of him. Nothing has changed,” she said.

The veteran singer, who follows every series that Team India plays, said winning and losing are part of the game and we should not get too critical in case of a defeat.

“We like winning but we should be prepared for losses as well. Australia beat us recently, I didn’t like it but this happens.

Tendulkar fondly calls Mangeshkar ‘mother’ and the legendary singer recalled the story behind the bond.

“Both Sachin and my father have their birthday on April 24. I once met Sachin a day before his birthday and journalists asked him what he would like to say about me.

“He replied ‘how can I say anything about my mother’. Since then, he addresses me as mother,” she said.

Also a fan of Sunil Gavaskar, Mangeshkar said she got very upset when he retired from cricket in 1987 and even asked him why he took the decision.

“Critics had made life miserable for him at that time and I felt perhaps he retired because of that. I asked him a year after why he retired, he said ‘My time is over but Sachin is there for you’.”

MUMBAI: Just a couple of days away from completing 20 years in international cricket, Sachin Tendulkar on Friday said his first India cap in a Sachin Test series against Pakistan in 1989 was the most cherished moment in his illustrious cMUMBAI: Just a couple of days away from completing 20 years in international cricket, Sachin Tendulkar on Friday said his first India cap in a

Test series against Pakistan in 1989 was the most cherished moment in his illustrious career.

“20 years is a long time and I have many special moments and it would be difficult to count them. But the first one (Test), the first day walking out in the playing XI in Pakistan probably was the greatest moment,” Tendulkar, who made his international debut in a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi on November 15, 1989, said.

“It was a long journey and what I did after that was a reflection of my contribution to the game in the country. Playing for the country was my childhood dream and I have fulfilled my dream. I am fortunate to have played for my country for so many years,” he added.

Asked what changes have occurred in the game in the 20 years of his career, Tendulkar picked the advent of Twenty20, television assistance for umpiring decisions and batting innovations as the major changes that have taken place.

“From 1989, the game has changed a lot from the introduction of third umpire and Hot Spot system to the introduction of Twenty20 and so many things”, he said.

“The most significant is that lot of innovative shots which were earlier occasionally used but left are being played by the batsmen now,” Tendulkar said.

“There is a lot more risk taking by the players now. Because of this, the total in the One-dayers have increased. Nowadays, 275 on a good pitch is not a great score.

“The same is the case in Test also. There are a lot more results now than in the past. Earlier, people used to get bored of Test cricket because there were few results but nowadays there has been more results and that has made it more entertaining,” said the 36-year-old champion batsman.

Asked how much has changed in his game in the 20 years, Tendulkar said, “I have changed a lot. I am trying to improve myself every game. It is a never ending process as everyday is a fresh challenge. So it is hard job to be on your toes everytime.”

“A combination of factors made me remain focussed on the game. My parents, brothers, sisters and wife supported me all through. My mother does not know cricket but will pray for my success and for the country. I discussed cricket with my elder brother a lot. The other brother and the sister also supported me. With my wife, I talk about cricket to her also and that is the main reason why I was able to last such a long time,” he said.

“Above all, the affection and support from the cricket fans of the country was immense. You need people to share your success and I have more than a billion people. That is more than enough for me,” Tendulkar said.

Since his debut Test against Pakistan in 1989, Tendulkar has played 159 Tests, scoring 12,773 runs with 42 centuries at an average of 54.58. From the 436 ODI matches he played since December 19, 1989 against Pakistan in Gujranwala, he had amassed 17,178 runs at an average of 44.50 with 45 hundreds.areer. “20 years is a long time and I have many special moments and it would be difficult to count them. But the first one (Test), the first day walking out in the playing XI in Pakistan probably was the greatest moment,” Tendulkar, who made his international debut in a Test match against Pakistan in Karachi on November 15, 1989, said. “It was a long journey and what I did after that was a reflection of my contribution to the game in the country. Playing for the country was my childhood dream and I have fulfilled my dream. I am fortunate to have played for my country for so many years,” he added. Asked what changes have occurred in the game in the 20 years of his career, Tendulkar picked the advent of Twenty20, television assistance for umpiring decisions and batting innovations as the major changes that have taken place. “From 1989, the game has changed a lot from the introduction of third umpire and Hot Spot system to the introduction of Twenty20 and so many things”, he said. “The most significant is that lot of innovative shots which were earlier occasionally used but left are being played by the batsmen now,” Tendulkar said. “There is a lot more risk taking by the players now. Because of this, the total in the One-dayers have increased. Nowadays, 275 on a good pitch is not a great score. “The same is the case in Test also. There are a lot more results now than in the past. Earlier, people used to get bored of Test cricket because there were few results but nowadays there has been more results and that has made it more entertaining,” said the 36-year-old champion batsman. Asked how much has changed in his game in the 20 years, Tendulkar said, “I have changed a lot. I am trying to improve myself every game. It is a never ending process as everyday is a fresh challenge. So it is hard job to be on your toes everytime.” “A combination of factors made me remain focussed on the game. My parents, brothers, sisters and wife supported me all through. My mother does not know cricket but will pray for my success and for the country. I discussed cricket with my elder brother a lot. The other brother and the sister also supported me. With my wife, I talk about cricket to her also and that is the main reason why I was able to last such a long time,” he said. “Above all, the affection and support from the cricket fans of the country was immense. You need people to share your success and I have more than a billion people. That is more than enough for me,” Tendulkar said. Since his debut Test against Pakistan in 1989, Tendulkar has played 159 Tests, scoring 12,773 runs with 42 centuries at an average of 54.58. From the 436 ODI matches he played since December 19, 1989 against Pakistan in Gujranwala, he had amassed 17,178 runs at an average of 44.50 with 45 hundreds.

NEW DELHI: The ingenuity of Madhu Koda and his associates continue to surprise investigators probing what is being referred to as the Great

Jharkhand Robbery. For all his claim to be a humble tribal, Koda and his men not only had the smarts to acquire mines in Liberia and Thailand, they also knew how to spirit away the money they allegedly made by handing over mining leases to different corporates to banks in Switzerland. ( Watch Video )

Officials from Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (I-T), who are on the probe, have found details of accounts where they are suspected to have hoarded money. More importantly, they have also located the bullion trader from Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazar who was their conduit to Swiss banks, trusted by corrupt rulers across the world for their secrecy.

The discovery of the Swiss dimension of the Jharkhand Loot coincided with the arrest of Vikas Sinha, one of Koda’s accomplices. Sinha, younger brother of key Koda aide Binod, was arrested in Ranchi on Friday. Sources said Vikas admitted to carrying Rs 40 crore to Binod’s chartered accountant S K Naredi — a claim that was vehemently denied by the accused. Vikas, who has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, alleged that he was coerced into signing documents about which he knew nothing.

Importantly, Naredi is also Koda’s chartered accountant, and is suspected to have cooked books to help the former chief minister acquire sponge iron and rolling mills in Jharkhand.

Vikas is considered to be the first of the catches that the ED and Income Tax want to net before moving on to Koda himself. Others who may be picked up soon are Binod and Sanjay Chaudhary.

While lookout notices have been put out for them, the focus of the probe from now shifts to the Swiss connection of the Koda group. The investigation has also exposed that even PSU banks were not carrying out due diligence for checking the source of extraordinarily huge cash deposits.

Sleuths have found that Zaveri Bazar branch of Union Bank of India failed to find anything amiss about Rs 61 crore that the Koda cartel deposited with it. The whole transaction took place in the space of less than 30 days — between March 2 and March 31, 2007 — and should have set off alarm bells claimed to have been installed in the aftermath of 9/11 terror attack.

The timing of the transactions is also significant and shows that Koda did not waste much time after he, helped by political uncertainty and a group of Independents, manoeuvered his way into the chief minister’s office in September 2006.

Officials found out about the huge account during a search of the premises of Manoj Punamia, an associate of Koda, whose Balaji Bullion and other companies were central to money laundering by Koda and his group.

Sources claimed that investigators had found that one of Punamia’s companies — Balaji Universal Trade — had a turnover disproportionately huge to its size — $350 million. One deal alone was worth $55 million in cash.

The Balaji group of companies floated by Koda’s associates had transferred $100 million using hawala route. Significantly, it also transferred at least $10 million to a Dubai frontman through legal channels in what could be a step to gradually legitimise the illicit overseas operations.

Another group firm — Balaji Bullion — had alleged transactions worth Rs 990 crore, it was found during initial probe. Three of the directors in Balaji Bullion were Binod Sinha, Sanjay Chaudhary and Arvind Vyas, all associates of the former Jharkhand CM.

PARIS: The government’s attempt to censor the film `Indian Summer’ on the Edwina-Nehru affair has drawn flak from French author and philosopher

Catherine Clement, who has written a novel on the romance. The author, whose book `Edwina and Nehru: A Novel’ was published in 1993, said Edwina had admitted that her relationship with Nehru was “mostly platonic”, indicating it was not always so.

Clement has to her credit books on India like `Le Roman du Taj Mahal’ and `Pour l’amour de L’Inde’. Not only has the author visited India almost every year since 1983 but has been spending time in Haryana village Nandan working on a project for ecological conservation.