High-tech terrorists run explosive circles around low-tech cops

If the timing device in a bomb found in Punjab is any indication, the state authorities have an explosive problem on hand.

State forensic science laboratory director Dr Gopalji Mishra said the device, found in an unexploded bomb in a Bagapurana temple, was so sophisticated that it could be timed to explode between 8.32 minutes and 194 days after it was implanted. Which would mean terrorists could plant a bomb six months in advance at a venue!

Moreover, the device is undetectable by even the sophisticated electronic jammer, provided to only a select band of VIPs in the country. "To combat this, police and security personnel will have to modify their strategy," Dr Mishra said at a recent seminar for the Punjab cops, "Now, instead of fighting a frontal battle through shootouts, the terrorists are increasingly taking to detonating explosions."

Dr Mishra had held a similar seminar at the Batala police lines where a 2,000-odd crowd had turned up. Civilians including shopkeepers, taxi, auto, rickshaw and bus drivers, vendors and the like were invited to the lecture.

UNI