GUWAHATI, April 17 - The State�s security machinery went into a tizzy after an explosive sensor �detected� TNT in former Chief Minister PK Mahanta�s official bullet-proof vehicle. Though police, after several checks ruled out the presence of any explosive in the vehicle, the AGP leader was provided with another vehicle.
The sensor reportedly �detected� explosives during a routine check by NSG personnel around 2.30 pm yesterday on the MLA Hostel premises in Dispur. The white Ambassador (AS 01 AP 6565) was immediately taken to the Special Branch headquarters for further checks, which ruled out the presence of any explosive material. Mahanta was scheduled to visit Tawang yesterday, but the tour was cancelled following this incident.
However, sources said the NSG sensor again detected explosives in the vehicle this morning. Senior security personnel, including the NSG in-charge and the ADGP (security) rushed to the place and conducted a thorough check. Sniffer dogs were also brought in. Mahanta�s tour to Nagaon and Kaliabor was cancelled today.
�We are convinced there is no explosive in the vehicle. But we are not taking any chances, so we have replaced the vehicle. An inquiry has been ordered and further mechanical tests would be conducted by experts to ascertain actually what had happened,� DGP Mukesh Sahay told this newspaper.
ADGP (SB) Pallab Bhattacharyya said there could be a �false alarm� in the sensor, but police has taken the matter seriously and are probing it.
The former CM told The Assam Tribune that he has asked the Chief Secretary and the DGP to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.