Search the Internet          Tips

Dynamite planted in a place of
worship in Baroda defused

Onkar Singh in Baroda

Baroda's Commissioner of Police D D Tuteja on Tuesday claimed that his men have defused a dynamite planted in place of worship in the city.

Speaking to rediff.com, Tuteja said if the bomb had gone off, the consequences would have been disastrous.

The commissioner denied allegations that his force had watched helplessly as arsonists roamed free on Baroda's streets. He repeatedly referred to an interview given by Defence Minister George Fernandes to a television channel wherein he gave a clean chit to the city police.

"Only 28 people lost their lives in Baroda," he said.

"We have arrested 863 persons. Over 250 have been arrested for breach of curfew orders and 219 anti-social elements have been detained as a precautionary measure," he added.

When asked why several parts of the city were still under curfew if the situation had improved, he said: "We were forced to re-impose curfew in some areas following stabbing incidents."

"I have only 2000 officers at my disposal. The population of the city is over 16 lakh. Considering the constraints, we have done a good job," Tuteja said.

The Sabarmati in Flames: Complete Coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report