English
Delhi Bomb Threat: Amidst a recent surge in bomb threats sent via email to schools, hospitals and other establishments in the national capital, the Delhi Police has prepared an extensive plan to handle such situations in the near future by expanding its bomb detection, disposal and dog squads in each district of the city to ensure swift action.
Delhi is divided into 15 police districts, however, currently there are only five bomb disposal squads, 18 bomb detection teams and one dog squad with 70 canines to cover all these regions. All three units are under the Crime Branch.
Officials said the bomb detection, disposal and dog squads are first responders after the local area police when a bomb threat is received, but the units have limited available resources and personnel are overworked which can lead to a higher probability of mishaps.
To remedy this situation, the Delhi Police has planned to increase the strength of these squads and setting up dedicated units for each police district of the city, news agency PTI reported, citing official sources.
This will help the force act swiftly during emergencies, the source said, adding that a plan has been drafted and the files sent to the higher authorities for approval.
As per the proposal, the bomb detection, disposal and dog squads will be divided with the induction of more personnel. There is a proposal to buy gadgets for bomb detection, disposal as well as bulletproof jackets.
The dog squad, which currently has 61 sniffers, six trackers and three for detecting narcotics, may be distributed among each police district, sources said, adding that the number of dogs and handlers will also be increased if the proposal is approved, the sources said.
The Delhi Police has dedicated dog squad units at a few locations but the new plan proposes to set up units in Shahdara, South, Rohini, Southeast, Outer, Outernorth, Northeast and Dwarka districts, the source said.
Official data revealed the Delhi Police’s dog squad has 27 labrador retrievers, 18 Belgian shepherds (malinois), 16 German shepherd, and nine golden retrievers aged between six and nine months.
On average, each dog serves the force for around nine years, after which they are handed over to non-government organisations following their retirement, said an officer.
Notably, Delhi has been plagued by hoax bomb threats over the past few months with hospitals, schools, colleges, museums, railway establishments, prisons and government offices getting threat emails on at least seven occasions.
The bomb threats were later found to be hoaxes and are being investigated by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police.
(With PTI inputs)
For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Delhi News on India.com.
