New Delhi: A security check at the Jama Masjid Metro station in Delhi turned chaotic when a passenger, asked to open a bag containing suspicious items, suddenly fled with the bag. However, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan Abhishek Verma was on high alert. The passenger attempted to escape by running toward the exit via an escalator, but the jawan’s sharp observation and swift action thwarted his attempt. For this courageous and vigilant act, CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan honoured Abhishek Verma with a cash reward of ₹10,000 and a Director General’s Commendation Disc.
Suspicious item spotted on X-ray; passenger attempts to flee
The incident occurred on October 17. During a security check at the Jama Masjid Metro station, a dense object inside a passenger’s bag appeared as a black shape on the X-ray baggage scanner screen. Suspecting something amiss, the security personnel asked the passenger to open the bag. Instead, the passenger grabbed the bag, bolted from the frisking booth, and raced toward the exit via the escalator.
Abhishek Verma’s alertness cuts off the escape route
CISF jawan Abhishek Verma, who was overseeing security at the exit, immediately pursued the passenger along with his colleagues and intercepted him before he could leave the station. The passenger was then taken to the station control room, where his belongings were thoroughly inspected.
Semi-solid substance found stitched into an undergarment
During questioning, the passenger identified himself as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) living in Kuala Lumpur. According to his boarding pass, he had arrived in India from Kuala Lumpur on October 16. A search of his bag revealed a semi-solid substance that had been stitched into the lower part of an undergarment. The nature of the substance could not be immediately identified at the scene. Subsequently, the Delhi Metro Rail Police were called in. The police questioned the passenger and took him, along with his belongings, for further investigation. The exact nature of the substance and other details related to the case will be confirmed only after the investigation is complete.
Director General commends the personnel
CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan praised Abhishek Verma for his vigilance, courage, and prompt action, noting that his professional competence and dedication to duty are highly commendable. He stated that such alertness by personnel deployed on the front lines plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the millions of passengers who travel by the Metro every day.
Abhishek Verma, a native of the West Karbi Anglong district in Assam, joined the CISF through direct recruitment on May 29, 2018. Over the course of his more than eight years of service, this particular action of his has set an exemplary standard for vigilance and readiness while on security duty.
