On Mumbai’s most dangerous job

A manpower shortage and lack of training isn't making the  bomb squad’s  job any easier

With a sudden increase in bomb threats, the city's bomb detection and disposal squad is constantly on its toes. Rajeev Saxena, a senior officer of the squad, who's been a part of this special team for the last six years, has what it takes to survive this tough profession. "We use the MED technique, that is, the Man, Equipment, Dog technique.
Our dogs are specially trained to identify the threat, and the technique [equipment], things that the human eye might not notice."

Talking about his experiences, and the reason for choosing a line of work that puts his life in constant jeopardy, Saxena says, "We don't look at it as a job; it's a selfless act.
Yes, we risk our lives, but there are benefits. It a well-paid job, and we have access to any place or person under the top security zone." But the fact that all members of the squad are eligible for life insurance - usually more than Rs1.25 lakh - is a constant reminder of the nature of the job. "But really, our life insurance is little if you compare it to the Anti Terror Squad (ATS), where top officials are insured for Rs10 lakh, Rs7 lakh for the medium level officers, and Rs5 lakh for the lower rung officers. We have sent a proposal to the government to increase our life insurance, too."

It's about teamwork, and the need to be constantly alert and mentally strong, and physically fit. "We have to be alert and agile all the time. We use equipment keeping in mind the possibility of chemical warfare as well," says Saxena.

Vinay Prasad took up this "challenging job" four years ago. He still remembers his first day on the job. He says, "Initially, I was tense and nervous. But now, after four years of experience, backed by rigorous training, and excellent bomb detection equipment, I feel that the risks are a little less. Moreover, till date, there hasn't been a single incident of an officer being injured while diffusing a bomb."

With regards to manpower, Saxena says that the city has 50 officers, 150 men with 12 teams working in different parts of Mumbai. Of these 12 teams, six are purely bomb disposal teams, while the rest are "quick-response" teams - their job is to take command of the evacuation procedure.

But this, say the officers, is not enough. Given the threats that the city receives every day, more manpower is required. "When we started it was adequate, but now, we need more vehicles and trained men," says Saxena.

When they're not diffusing bombs, or undergoing training, the squad conducts awareness programs that include giving lectures at police stations, schools, the BMC, private security companies, multiplex security guards, et al. "We are putting up posters everywhere to alert citizens. People need to be more aware," says Prasad.

Saxena adds: "We did a survey recently where we found that about 90 per cent of Mumbaikars are aware of terror threats, but only three per cent are vigilant."

When they're not diffusing bombs, or undergoing training, the squad conducts awareness programs that include giving lectures at police stations, schools, the BMC, private security companies, multiplex security guards, et al. "We are putting up posters everywhere to alert citizens. People need to be more aware," says Prasad.

Saxena adds: "We did a survey recently where we found that about 90 per cent of Mumbaikars are aware of terror threats, but only three per cent are vigilant."

Apart from diffusing bombs, the officers are also involved in diffusing grenades and army shells sent to them by the crime branch, or the ATS. Prasad cites an example:
"Once we got a call from some scrap dealers in Wadala. They found live army shells in the scrap material.”

This is one job, where the mind cannot afford to wander. Prasad says that when he diffuses a bomb, he's concentrating on the task at hand. "My only motive is to save lives in every possible way; that's the only thing on my mind."
p_sugandha@dnaindia.net

(Names have been changed due to security reasons)