Mumbai:
After being slapped with a Rs 10-crore bill for 26/11 accused Ajmal Amir Kasab's security, the Maharashtra government today said that it would withdraw jawans of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) guarding him and instead replace them with the state police.
Justifying the move as a bid to cut costs, Maharashtra Home Minister RR Patil said, "Because it is expensive, I have asked the Director General of Police (DGP) to withdraw the ITBP commandos and replace them with our police jawans".
Terming Kasab's security as the responsibility of the Centre also, Mr Patil said that the state government would ask for a concession in footing the bill for Kasab's security.
"'The attack on Mumbai was an attack on the nation. That is clear from the investigations till now. It's not just the responsibility of the state, but also that of the Centre to look after Kasab. With regard to this expense, the Centre should give a concession. The state government will ask for this and a decision will be taken after that", Mr Patil said.
The state government's move comes after the ITBP on Tuesday sent a Rs 10-crore bill towards reimbursement of expenses on guarding Kasab who is lodged in the Arthur Road jail in Mumbai.
(Read: Maharashtra says no to ITBP's Rs. 10 cr bill for Kasab's security)