Bolstered by the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden near Islamabad, India too sent a list of 50 most wanted criminals/terrorists, all of whom were hiding in Pakistan. Imagine the embarrassment that has come when it was found that one of them (at least one of them) was not hiding in the neighbouring country but was in India. What is worse, a newspaper (The Times of India) could find this out but not our home ministry. Imagine the further embarrassment when yet another name turns out to be misplaced.

First was the case of Wazhur Kamar Khan, whose name had also figured in India's most wanted list, was traced in Mumbai. Within a few days, yet another 'wanted' terrorist -- Feroz Abdul Khan, alias Hamza, an accused in the 1993 Mumbai blast case -- is found to be in Mumbai's Arthur Road jail. He had been arrested from Navi Mumbai in February last year and handed over to CBI. Meanwhile, there was another goof-up with Purulia arms drop case accused Kim Davy's arrest warrant, but that's another story.

Home minister P Chidambaram has admitted the (first) goof-up. He has said the “human error” has been explained. It was the usual bureaucratic bungling – CBI prepared the list, but the Mumbai branch of the Intelligence Bureau forgot to tell it about this man.

This explanation raises several uncomfortable questions. Firstly, there is utter lack of coordination among the various intelligence/investigation agencies even in routine communication. It is difficult to imagine how they would be collating their intelligence input and warnings.

Secondly, no heads have rolled, not yet. Chidambaram’s ‘gracious’ admission is welcome, but that does not fix responsibility.

Thirdly, if even the list of wanted terrorists/criminals is suspect, who is going to take India’s efforts to catch them seriously? A fortnight ago, there was a suggestion of an Operation Geronimo-like strike to catch Dawood Ibrahim and others. Forget the strike, first get the paperwork in order.