SSB averts explosion in Haridwar

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has averted an explosion at a parking camp in Haridwar in Uttarakhand, an official said on Wednesday.

The bomb detection squad (BDS) of the force, mandated to guard the India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders, detected an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the parking area of Bairagi camp.

"The SSB's bomb detection squad team with the help of the dog 'Granty' was conducting anti-sabotage check in the area when they detected a suspected IED (pipe of brass) at Bairagi camp parking area. This is a crowded spot and is generally used by the Kanwars to assemble and park their vehicles.

"On detecting the IED, the SSB officers informed the concerned state authorities. Immediately, the area was cordoned off and isolated by the SSB troopers. The IED was retrieved remotely and disposed of in an open area," an SSB official said.

The Home Ministry has deployed two companies of SSB along with the BDS team to assist state authorities in maintaining law and order in Haridwar during the Kanwar Mela scheduled from July 3 to July 21.

--IANS

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