Police chief promises action

MUMBAI: Police commissioner R S Sharma told mediapersons on Friday that if there was any "lacunae'''' in the Mumbai crime branch team''s probe which in turn had lead to the acquittal of the seven alleged Shakeel gangsters, he would initiate strict disciplinary action against the officers concerned.
Mr Sharma said he was yet to see the judgment. "If the court has passed any strictures against my officers, I will take appropriate action.''''
Asked whether it was the failure of the police to gather evidence which had led to the acquittal, he refused to comment.He, however, stated that he had "confidence'''' in the crime branch officers.
"But I cannot comment on this case unless I have the judgment copy''''. When informed about Mr Mahajan''s demand for a CBI inquiry, he replied, "I have no objection to the CBI inquiry.''''
The seven persons acquitted are Akbar Hussain (28), Jakir Hussain (30),Mohammed Panjari (28), Srinivas Naidu (28), Javed Khan (26), Mohammed Ansari (32) and Mohammed Sabir Shaikh (39). They were chargesheeted on December 6, 2001.