Anti-bomb squad dons new uniform

The Delhi Police chose the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games to debut an innovation of its own.

The Delhi Police chose the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games to debut an innovation of its own.

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Officers belonging to its tactical Anti Sabotage Unit, comprising units such as the Bomb Disposal Squad, the Bomb Detection Team and the Dog Squad, have been provided dark blue uniforms to distinguish them from 'regular' officers in khaki.

"They perform an important function and this has been done in order to help both the general public and our own officers to be able to distinguish these officers from regular officers," a senior police officer said.

According to police, these tactical wings would be operating 24x7 throughout the fortnight-long event and not just in contingency situations.

"These officers are integral to the security matrix. They are the first to reach any particular point to sanitise it even before the VIP pilot escort vehicles that ensure the safety of delegations on the move," the officer said.

Though police refused to divulge the exact number of officers in each wing citing security concerns, sources said the largest number of uniforms, about 125, was provided to the Delhi Police's dog squad.
"The uniforms have been provided to these specialised units because of the unique nature of the operations that they are to perform. These outfits will become part of the force now. Our officers will use the same uniforms even after the Commonwealth Games," MS Sandhu, Joint Commissioner (Provisions and Logistics), said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police commandos could be seen brandishing in swanky TATA Sumos and Mahindra Xylos.