Doubts cast over intruder reports, residents still wary

URAN: Uran appeared deserted on Friday, a day after two schoolchildren claimed to have seen armed men in masks there, sparking a security scare. Four policemen manned

URAN: Uran appeared deserted on Friday, a day after two schoolchildren claimed to have seen armed men in masks there, sparking a security scare. Four policemen manned a makeshift outpost at the edge of Uran’s town centre but most residents remained indoors.

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The area where the two children claimed to have seen the men is about five kilometres from a naval base. But after searching for almost two days, the Maharashtra police, anti-terrorism squad, Force One and Indian Navy found no trace of any intruders. Though the navy called off its search in the evening, the local police continued to scour the area for clues.

A navy man, who lives just 30 metres from the spot where the alleged intruders were seen, said he was out on his scooter at 6.40am on Thursday to drop his daughter to a bus stand but saw nothing suspicious. “I did not see any suspicious men or armed personnel. As far as I know, marine commandos sometimes come here in groups to carry out their exercises, but they are not armed. Also, they are in training attire, which can be easily distinguished,” said the navy man, who did not wish to be named.

About 50 metres from the spot, the home of one of the two children brimmed with cops. A policeman who was born and brought up in Uran told HT, “I know everyone in this village. It is unlikely that any suspicious activity could have gone unnoticed. But we can’t take chances. Our search will continue until we are asked to stand down.”