Not a bomb says Delhi cops

Delhi cops say suspicious object recovered at New Delhi railway station is not an explosive; but continue examination

Delhi cops say suspicious object recovered at New Delhi Railway Station is not an explosive; butu00a0

On guard? Cops outside the New Delhi Railway Station on Monday evening. PIC/SUBHASH BAROLIA

continue examination

While the Delhi police claim the city is under strict vigil in the run-up to the Republic Day on January 26, the recovery of a suspicious object at the busy New Delhi Railway Station on Monday evening raises serious doubts about the security scenario in the Capital.

An unclaimed object found at the Ginger Rail Yatri Niwas, just 100 to 200 metres away from the New Delhi Railway Station on Monday evening, triggered a panic. People feared it could be an explosive. Meanwhile, cops have not yet confirmed about the object being an explosive and have shifted it to a safe location for examination.u00a0u00a0u00a0

A bomb squad was called in to examine the object, which allegedly seemed like an iron rod covered by platinum wires. A senior police official, wishing anonymity, said, "The object was made of around 15 units of brass shells. They are around three to four inch long.

It may not be an explosive but we have sent it for examination."

Even though the Delhi police denied the object was a bomb, the Railway Police sought the help of the National Security Guard for proper investigation.

REPUBLIC DAY SECURITY

Meanwhile, several rings of security have been planned to make Republic Day celebrations incident free.
Mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters of the National Security Guards will be deployed at various places while paramilitary and Delhi police commandos will keep a close watch along the route of the Republic Day parade on January 26.
Snipers will be deployed at high-rise buildings while 105 security cameras will keep a tight vigil on movement between Rajpath and Red Fort, the route of the parade.
Other security measures like patrolling of crowded markets, checking and frisking in Metro Rail, railway stations and bus terminals have been heightened. Security at the airport has also been strengthened in coordination with the CISF.
Checking and frisking have been intensified at all entry points to the city with police setting up barricades to keep a vigil on all those entering the capital.
All prominent market places have been brought under close circuit television cover and private security guards employed by various market associations asked to extend total cooperation to police in maintaining vigil.
All property dealers and second-hand car dealers have been asked to furnish details about their recent deals and pass on the information especially about customers from outside the state. Cyber cafe owners have been directed to maintain records of all e-mail users.