NH 34 security beefed up

Statesman News Service

MALDA, May 26: In a bid to check highway crime following increasing reports of bus robberies on NH-34, Malda Police have stepped up highway patrolling from today. For this purpose, an additional check post has been set up on NH-34, police said. Police said there are seven permanent check posts along NH-34 in Malda district. The Malda SP, Mr Dilip Kumar Modal, convened a meeting with officials of three state transport corporations on Monday to dissuade bus drivers and conductors from picking up passengers from unauthorised bus stops. Mr Mondol said that Malda Police have prepared a list of authorised bus stops for long-distance buses. As per stipulated rules, bus drivers and conductors are to pick up passengers only from these authorised bus stops. The check posts will carry pictures of criminals wanted in connection with road crimes along the national highways and will be provided by the district police headquarters keeping in mind the safety of long distance night service buses. Additional SP, Mr D Boral, said: “Metal detectors will be used to check all passengers before they board the bus. Malda Police is also planning to install a video camera to capture images of passengers boarding buses.” A senior police official said that highway patrolling would be stringent at three crucial points on the highway, where maximum bus robbery cases have been reported. Malda Police officials admitted they are anxious about the increasing bus robberies on the highways. More so as the police have failed to nab any culprit till date. Officials at the check post have been instructed to register the movement of all buses on the national highway including the number of passengers in every bus.