'Parcel' addressed to Kalpakkam n-station sent for analysis

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, OCT. 18. Two parcels containing mysterious powder and addressed to the IAF station at Tambaram and the nuclear power station at Kalpakkam have been sent to laboratories for analysis, the Director-General of Police, Mr. B.P. Nailwal, said today.

The step had been taken in wake of the world-wide scare over the use of biological agents, particularly anthrax, to spread terror.

Answering newspersons queries, the DGP said on one of the parcels, the postal seal indicated `Besant Nagar'. The two were handed over to the police and they had been sent to the forensic science department and another institute at Taramani.

Meanwhile, the postal authorities here are yet to receive any guideline from the Centre regarding the handling of parcels and other articles in wake of reports of anthrax being transmitted through mail.

Officials say ``we have received a communication from the State Government about the impact of anthrax and the kind of treatment to be undertaken. But, we have not yet received communication from the Postal Directorate how to carry out preliminary screening of postal articles, suspected to be carrying anthrax''.

An elaborate set of guidelines has been laid down for distinguishing mail carrying explosive materials from others.

Moreover, the department does not, on its own, have any equipment to test articles for anthrax. ``If required, we will send such suspicious articles to the King's Institute.''

While steering postal articles clear of anthrax, the postal officers may have to strike a balance as there are certain social practices, peculiar to this region. For instance, many get `vibhuthi' (white sacred ash made of oxidising cow-dung) from temples. ``If there is to be a ban on sending vibhuthi too, it may provoke a strong reaction.''

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Polling suspended in 34 booths
Next     : Violent incidents in suburbs