EXPLOSION

Special team to probe Alipurduar blast : Spl IGP

COOCH BEHAR, March 18: A special investigating team is to inquire today's blast in Alipurduar. All senior police officials and officials of plainclothes wing are to be included in the team. Meanwhile, all the police stations adjacent to Alipurduar were alerted to keep strict vigil on persons with suspicious records. Special IGP, Jalpaiguri Range, Mr DT Lepcha said forensic experts are also to come from Kolkata to examine the remains at the site of explosion to ascertain the type of explosive materials used for the crime. Though no militant outfit yet claimed their connection with the blast the police are examining all reports of recent movement of militants associated with organisations including KLO, Mr Lepcha said.

Cooch Behar SP Mr DP Singh said special security checks were instructed along Indo-Bangladesh border, Assam-West Bengal border and Cooch Behar-Jalpaiguri border. Plainclothesmen have been alerted to keep watch on parking places near Cooch Behar Palace and markets. Appeals were made to all to report immediately if they found any unclaimed article including bicycle or motorbike, the SP said.