CID to modernise bomb disposal squads

Taking lessons from repeated incidents of policemen getting killed while attempting to defuse bombs, a decision has been taken to revamp the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Steps have been taken to import modern gadgets from other countries including the US. The gadgets will be used to defuse bombs without taking much risk. A senior officer of the CID said that the new equipment will help in detecting a bomb from a distance of around 50 feet and it will be used to defuse bombs from a safe distance by using the machines.

Moreover, the machines can easily identify the kind of chemicals used in making the bombs and its capacity. They will calculate and show the area that could be affected if the bomb explodes.

A camera, which is usually used by bomb disposal teams in other countries, will also be bought. The camera will be able to scan bombs whether they are placed inside a box or inside a house. While trying to find bombs planted inside houses, police will not need to enter the premises; instead they can scan it from outside.

Steps have also been taken to increase the manpower of the BDS. At present, there are around 87 policemen in the BDS and the plan is to set up separate BDS for each police commissionerate and headquarters of every district.

It may be mentioned that officers of BDS were killed and many were injured while trying to defuse bombs in places including Bolpur, Alipurduar and Malda in recent times. Two officers of the BDS were killed when they were defusing bombs planted by Maoists in the forest of Jhitlka in 2011. Hence, the top brass of the CID is taking the steps to revamp the BDS.