This story is from December 16, 2015

Kumbh triggered record 63 calls at Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad in 2015

The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) has received a record 63 "threat calls" so far this year as against just 10 such calls in the past two years.
Kumbh triggered record 63 calls at Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad in 2015

NASHIK: The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) has received a record 63 "threat calls" so far this year as against just 10 such calls in the past two years.
Officials said the calls were due to the Kumbh Mela that was held in the city, besides increasing awareness among residents. The squad has also started training the officials on a daily basis to accustom them with the equipment.
Police inspector (BDDS) Anand Wagh said the number of threat calls received in 2013 and 2014 were 10 in each year, but in the current year, the calls rose to 63. "The rise is mainly due to the Kumbh Mela that was held in the city earlier this year. A lot of lost bags and unclaimed items were found by pilgrims and residents in their vicinity. However, explosives were not found in any of the cases," he said.
Wagh said that awareness among residents has also resulted in increase in the number of calls to the BDDS. "More and more number of people are becoming aware of terrorist attacks and refrain from touching unclaimed bags. The police are informed immediately following which, which action is taken," he added.
At present, youths are being reached out to in colleges to raise awareness about BDDS. "Regular interaction is also held with residents during routine checks at temples, railway stations, bus stands and other public places to make them more aware of their surroundings," Wagh said.

The PI said training is being given to security guards at malls, temples and other public places about handling metal detectors, identifying suspicious objects and professional methods used to frisk people.
He said a time-table has been chalked for daily maintenance of the electronic equipment. "Eleven technicians with the squad undergo daily handling of equipment to get accustomed. Moreover, each officer is asked to wear the bomb suit everyday to get familiar with the feeling and the heavy load," Wagh said.
The official said that recently, the officials were also trained by a team of National Security Guards (NSG) in Pune for updating their knowledge in bombs and other techniques for diffusing them.
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