R-Day target: Bomb near IAF station

A bomb was found in a car in the high-security zone near the Indian Air Force (IAF) station here, 130 km from Chandigarh, on Sunday night, reports Puneet Pal Singh Gill.

A bomb was found in a car in the high-security zone near the Indian Air Force (IAF) station here, 130 km from Chandigarh, on Sunday night.

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Police said the Maruti 800, was parked near the IAF auditorium, 500 metres from the station, since Saturday evening. A barber, who runs a shop near the auditorium, spotted sparking in the car and informed the IAF authorities.

When the Sudhar police removed the vehicle’s rear windowscreen, they found a 15-litre plastic container filled with explosives.

Ludhiana Range DIG Dr Sharad Satya Chauhan said, “Five kg of urea, 200 grams of potash, 750 grams of nails and one litre petrol were packed in the container that was attached to a detonator connected through a cable with the car battery.”

“Four bottles filled with petrol were lying under the back seat of the car. Two of them were of 1.5 litres and the rest of 1-litre each. Some iron and marble pieces were also hidden inside,” the DIG added.

The police suspect the persons who planted the bomb wanted to create a huge explosion, which could have caused damage in an area of around 600 metres.

The police also found some clothes and a Chinese-made mobile phone without a SIM card. “We will be able to find out all details about the car very soon,” the SSP said.