A sudden bomb alert triggered panic and led to a massive security response at the busy Sector 43 bus stand in Chandigarh on Tuesday morning. The incident caused widespread fear and confusion before authorities revealed it was a meticulously planned drill.
Swift Police Action Evacuates Bus Stand
The Chandigarh Police control room received critical information about a suspected explosive device placed inside a bus parked at counter number 4. Acting immediately, the police mobilized multiple specialized units to the spot. The bomb disposal squad, forensic experts, local police teams, and senior officers were all rushed to the location.
As a standard precautionary measure, the authorities cordoned off the entire bus stand and its surrounding area. All passengers and staff were swiftly evacuated to ensure their safety, creating an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty at the transport hub.
The Revelation: A Planned Security Exercise
After an extensive search operation, it was disclosed that the high-alert situation was not real. The alert was part of a security drill designed to assess the preparedness of the police and allied agencies. The exercise was conducted specifically at depot number 4.
During the drill, false information about a bomb in a CTU bus was deliberately passed to the control room. Responding to this alert, the bomb squad and forensic teams carried out a thorough search of the vehicle. They successfully located and safely removed a mock explosive device planted inside the bus for the simulation. The bus stand remained sealed for the entire duration of the operation.
Aiming for Enhanced Preparedness
The drill was led by Inspector Jaspal Singh, the in-charge of the operation cell. The primary objectives of this exercise were to critically evaluate the response time, inter-agency coordination, and overall readiness of the police force in handling potential terror threats or other emergency situations.
Such drills are considered essential for keeping security forces on high alert and ensuring that standard operating procedures are effective and efficient when facing real-world threats. The Chandigarh Police's initiative underscores the importance of proactive measures in urban security management.
