Pulwama 2.0 averted, Explosive defused by squad, Driver fled

Srinagar:Security forces averted a major tragedy by recovering an Improvised Explosive Device (IED)-laden vehicle at a checkpoint in south Kashmir district of Pulwama, official sources said here on Thursday.

Confirming the recovery, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that a major incident of an IED blast was averted by the timely input and action by Pulwama Police, CRPF and Army. 

Giving details, sources said that following specific information, a joint checkpoint was established by the CRPF, police and Army at Rajpora in Pulwama last night. 

''Security forces signaled a vehicle to stop at the checkpoint at around 2130 hrs last night,'' they said.

However, the vehicle jumped the checkpoint, following which a brief exchange of fire took place. ''The vehicle was abandoned at a distance from the checkpoint by the driver, who managed to escape under the cover of darkness,'' they said.

During checking, security forces recovered an IED from the vehicle. Bomb Disposal Squad was rushed to the spot and the explosive device was defused. 

''Police has registered a case and initiated investigation into the incident,'' they said, adding that preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle had a fake number plate. (UNI)