Mock drill in Jagraon to check police efficiency

The scene at the Kamal Chowk of Jagraon is quite blissful. It’s broad daylight and everyone is busy with his or her regular chores. Meanwhile, someone spots an explosive in an abandoned bike and informs the police, following which an anti-sabotage team, fire brigade and ambulance turn up. A little later, the bomb has been defused.

It was a mock drill conducted by the police department on Friday to check the efficiency of different departments while dealing with an emergency situation.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP, Ludhiana rural) Ravcharan Singh Brar said, after Pathankot terrorist attack, the police have formed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) team to cope with any untoward situation. In the team, every member has been given specific duty that he has to perform without waiting for any orders.

“It was good to see that immediately after receiving the call, the cops swung into action. The team got vacated the area and placed sandbags around the motorcycle. Fire brigade and ambulance also reached in time,”said the SSP.

The SSP also appreciated the public reaction. After accomplishing the operation, the police informed the people that it was a mock drill.

Panic gripped Jagraon on Friday afternoon after a suspicious box with wires attached was spotted lying at a motorcycle at Kamal Chowk.

The matter came to light at around 2:30 pm. Police reached the spot. A bomb disposal squad team was called upon. On investigation, the bomb call was declared to be a hoax.

However, later senior superintendent of police of Ludhiana (rural) SSP Ravcharan Singh Brar confirmed that it was nothing but a mock drill.

Ambulance and fire brigade had also rushed to the spot and the area was cordoned off after the scare call.

First Published: Jan 22, 2016 15:08 IST