'Explosion' near Porbandar Naval Base sparks panic

RAJKOT/AHMEDABAD: Security agencies including the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and the local police went into a tizzy on Friday morning after a guard at the communication room of the Porbandar Naval Base claimed that he heard a sound that seemed like an explosion or a gun shot.
However, they heaved a sigh of relief after a four-hour extensive search at the naval base and nearby areas, did not yield anything suspicious.
A Indian Navy spokesperson stated on his official Twitter account: "Noise heard at/ off Porbandar Naval Base is of Fire Crackers".Investigation is still on by the Navy and the local police.
The security agencies are not taking any chances as the explosion-like sound came in wake of the high alert in the coastal areas of the state following intelligence input on an infiltration bid by ISI operatives from Pakistan.
After the guard alerted his seniors, Navy officers informed the local police in Porbandar that conducted a thorough search at the Naval Base that was cordoned off.
"After searching the base, police and other security agencies even talked to people living near by if they heard any explosion. But none of them seemed to have heard any such sound. Also, no suspicious substance or persons were found," said M D Jadeja, deputy superintendent of police, Porbandar.
High alert has been sounded across Gujarat coast following the surgical strikes recently carried out across the Line of Control by the Army. Within a week, the Border Security Force and the Indian Coast Guard have apprehended two Pakistani boats with nine crew members each, off Porbandar and Jakhau coasts.
Various agencies including the Indian Coast Guard, Navy and the Gujarat coastal police have enhanced vigil on the coast. Security has been beefed up at vital installations like temples, ports, oil refineries and other important places in Dwarka and Gir-Somnath districts after intelligence agencies alerted state police about possible infiltration bids by terrorists through the sea route.
Gujarat has over 1,600 km-long coastline and shares border with Pakistan in Kutch and Banaskantha district. Patrolling has been intensified along both land and sea border in Gujarat. The boat patrolling by marine police, Coast Guards and Navy have been intensified on the entire coastal belt.