Child bomber alert at Rajiv Chowk Metro station sparks frenzy

NEW DELHI: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Rajiv Chowk Metro station was on its toes on Tuesday after receiving an intelligence input that a boy, between 10 and 14 years, was carrying explosives in his school bag to blow up the station.

The bomb detection and disposal teams were called in along with the dog squad and frisking was intensified. Additional personnel were deployed in and outside the station to look for any suspicious person. Sleuths were deployed in plain clothes to keep a tight vigil.

Senior CISF officers alleged that while Delhi Police got to know about the threat on Monday night, they were informed only around 2pm when a constable arrived at the station with the information. However, the police claimed that the CP's office received an email on Monday night and it was immidately sent to all relevant authorities. "CISF was also informed well in time and adequate security measures were taken from our side as well," said a senior officer.

The email stated that the boy, who would enter the station and blow it up, might be accompanied by a woman in order to avoid suspicion, said sources. The sender could not be traced till late in the evening.

"The dog squad sanitised the entire station and even patrolled on the trains. Bomb disposal teams scanned CP to ensure that nothing suspicious was lying nearby," said a senior CISF officer. Security personnel at all Metro stations across the city remained on high alert till late in the night. However, no suspicious person could be spotted, said sources.