Were intelligence warnings over Mumbai attacks ignored?

Hundreds of lives were lost in the Mumbai terror attacks. Many victims are still struggling between life and death in hospital.

As investigations into the attacks gather momentum, reports have emerged that suggest warnings were given to the Maharashtra government by intelligence agencies as early as March this year.

But the warnings seem to have been ignored. It is to be noted that the last one was just twenty-four hours before the attack.

In March 2008, intelligence agencies had warned the Maharashtra government that the Gateway of India and Oberoi Trident hotel were potential targets. Sources said that it was revealed by Fahim Ansari who was arrested in Lucknow.

Later in August, intelligence agencies warned the crime branch that the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) was training 500 to 600 terrorists for attacks through sea.

Agencies said that the terrorists would be disguised as fishermen. They also mentioned that two West Asians recced Goa and Mumbai for two whole months.

On August 21, the Fishermen Union complained to police that illegal permissions were issued to 800 Gujarati trawlers. Majority of the crewmen were Bangladeshis. The Union feared that RDX was being trafficked through those trawlers.

Then in September, the Maharashtra state police was again warned of potential attacks on the Taj and Oberoi Trident hotels. Agencies also mentioned that terrorists were doing recces of the targets. Following that, a month later, intelligence agencies warned of a sea-borne attack and said an Indian, unmarked vessel might be used.

Finally, on November 18, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) again issued a warning to the Coast Guard, Navy and Maharashtra Police that the Taj and Oberoi were potential targets.

Naval intercepts revealed “chatter” on the sea and RAW said that the attack was being planned by the Lashkar-e-Toiba’s naval wing.