The Delhi Police has informed the High Court of Delhi that smaller teams from their existing strength of five bomb disposal squads and 18 bomb detection teams can be formed to meet the requirement of more units in case of an emergency. There are also 23 BDS/BDT units of the Central Armed Police Forces stationed in Delhi, which can be deployed after due approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Five batches of BDS/BDT, each with 15 personnel in each batch, will also be trained in this regard.
The police have previously stated that there are a total of five BDS & 18 BDT for over 4,600 schools in the city. The police have made provisions to form smaller teams in case of emergency to meet the requirement of more BDS/BDT teams. The trained staff of BDS/BDT undergo refresher courses periodically to update the changing scenario and technology.
The standard operating procedure for BDS/BDT is that they are pressed into action only after the BDT concerned has inspected the spot and reported something suspicious in the nature of an IED/explosive, which requires the intervention of BDS. AI movement command for a BDS is under the control of the district DCP concerned where the said BDS is stationed. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure for Bomb Disposal Squads & Bomb Detection Teams was issued in 2021, and nodal officers would respond to threat calls accordingly.
The Directorate of Education has a “zero-tolerance policy” in matters of safety in schools and has issued several directions to institutions to “step up” their safety and security measures, including a circular dated April 16 on precautionary measures and the role of school authorities in cases of bomb threats.
BY: ABHISHEK SINGH
