Mumbai: The warnings couldnt have been clearer. The management of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, scene of Mumbais worst terror attacks last week, was clearly told by the Mumbai police in various alerts that "armed men would barge into the hotel, spraying bullets and planting explosives."

Not only that, the management was also told that the terrorists would enter the hotel from the back entrance. This is exactly what happened.

In hindsight, it is obvious that a lot of the tragedy could have been averted if the hotel had taken greater precautions. Based on specific intelligence reports, the Mumbai police had issued the first warning (in writing, in Marathi) to the hotel authorities in September. Senior police officials had sent at least three letters to the security staff of the hotel, asking them to step up their vigil in and around the heritage hotel.

If even half of the suggestions had been implemented, the attack may either have been averted or reduced in impact. The warning letters informed the security staff that "the terrorists are likely to come through the sea route".

In a letter dated September 29,which DNA had access to, the police gave a detailed review of hotels security needs. On October 10,the police had a six-hour closed-door meeting with senior executives of the Taj. A month later, a security meeting was again called, and a detailed list of dos and donts were discussed.

The most important suggestion made by the police was to install iron-gates at the North Court (back) entrance, which was the door through which the terrorists were expected to enter.

But the Taj management did not pay heed. At least four terrorists entered the hotel from this entrance. Another instruction, which was again ignored, was to shut all the gates except one.

A Taj spokesperson said the hotel had one meeting to discuss security measures with the police but denied receiving any letter from the police.
Source : DNA