As part of the comprehensive security measure to ensure peaceful Republic Day celebrations, the City Police, perhaps for the first time, used “Backscatter van” to for check possible explosives and weapons.
Deputy Commissioner of police, Sandeep Patil said that Backscatter Van is a mobile X-Ray cargo and vehicle screening system produced in USA.
The van which was fitted with X-Ray machine uses backscatter technology to provide photo-like images of the concealed objects, such as explosives, drugs, currency and trade-fraud items. The system can rapidly reach places as it is installed in a commercially-available delivery van.
As part of the drive, the van patrolled in and around the M.G. Road and even at the Manekshaw Parade Grounds to check for unwanted and banned items.
“This is less time-consuming compared to physical frisking since a police personnel sitting with a laptop can scan a person or a vehicle passing by the vehicle,” he said. “We have rented this van from a private company and contemplating purchasing one for the department”, he said.
