Vehicle for humane approach against mobs

Mumbai police are all set to adopt `humane measures’ to control protesting crowds and unlawful assemblages. A riot control vehicle, developed by the Defence Research Developement Organisation (DRDO), has already been inducted and plans are afoot to use rubber bullets to control riotous situations, Police Commissioner, Subash Malhotra said.

The vehicle is equipped with tear gas smoke launcher, halogen lights, combined electronic arrangements of public address system and revolving lights with an electronic siren.

It is also fitted with fire extinguishers, first aid box, drinking water tank, rifle rack, space for storage of ammunition, hooks for helmet, two sets of ear protectors and anti-explosive material in the fuel tank to avoid explosion. Use of such vehicles was mooted after the 1993 communal riots. Each vehicle costs Rs 7 lakh and is slated to be inducted in a phased manner based on its effectiveness.