Security beefed up at Darjeeling Municipality

Darjeeling : Civic officials have introduced stringent security measures at the municipality here after a bomb-like device was found at the chamber of a GNLF commissioner yesterday.

“To begin with, visiting hours for the general public will be restricted to 10.30am to 1pm,” said vice-chairman B.M. Limboo. Earlier, people could visit the municipality anytime during working hours.

The officials have also decided to use only one entry point to the civic building instead of the existing four. Today, policemen were seen at the gate frisking everyone with metal detectors before allowing them to enter.

The civic body will soon issue identity cards to all its 700-odd employees and make it compulsory for them to display the cards while at work. People will not be allowed to enter the municipality with unnecessary bags and luggage.

Municipality employees suspect that yesterday’s bomb-like device, put in a gift-wrapper, was placed in the chamber of Darjeeling Ward 6 commissioner Basundhara Pradhan by a fair-complexioned youth. The same person was seen loitering around the municipality with a similar parcel the day before.

Source: The Telegraph