Mumbai: Following a suspected low-intensity improvised explosive device (IED), found in a box near Kalamboli school on Monday, Mumbai Police have ordered the anti-terrorism cells (ATC) of all police stations to scrutinise the premises of schools and public places across the city. Meanwhile, the Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), probing the IED case in Navi Mumbai, has already zeroed in on a few suspects and are ascertaining their role.
According to police sources, pre-emptive actions have been initiated by the Mumbai Police to maintain law and order in the city. “The orders have directly come from the Commissioner of Police (CP) Sanjay Barve, after the explosive device’s sighting could pose a threat to Mumbai as well. We suspect the explosive device found in Navi Mumbai could be a notorious act, but we cannot take a risk. At this point, student’s safety is most important for us,” said a senior police officer.
The watchman of Sudhagad School in Kalamboli, had informed the police on Monday at 1pm regarding an explosive object, spotted on a handcart at the footpath outside the school. The police and bomb squad officers had reached the spot and took the object to an open area for investigation. The ATS began a parallel probe in this matter and have zeroed in on a few suspects, but are currently questioning them to ascertain their role in the crime.
After this incident, the security in Navi Mumbai has been beefed up considering the two incidents of suspected terror activities in the last fortnight. Similarly, police have also asked the citizens to stay alert. A police officer said, personnel from Quick Reponse Team (QRT), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) have been deployed at prime locations in the city.
