New Delhi: The police and customs officers played an "active part" in the conspiracy of the 1993 serial blasts and smuggling of arms and explosives into Bombay, which discloses "deficient performance" of public servants, the Supreme Court on Thursday said.
A bench of justices P Sathasivam and BS Chauhan said only "well strategised" coast guards and customs officers with a high morale can prevent any opportunity for terrorists to attack the country via the maritime boundary.
"As the perception of war is changing, we should not overlook the role and significance of the coast guard and the customs officials in combating terrorism. The role of the coast guard is as important as any military troops," it said.
The court, in its judgement on appeals and cross-appeals in the blasts case, said it would not be an "overstatement" to state that without the help of customs officials, the convicts would not have been able to smuggle in the weapons required for the blasts.
PTI
