This suitcase is a hi-tech jammer

It is now being increasingly sought by the police and the security agencies

Like in the old James Bond movies, the ordinary suitcase is transformed into a portable jammer by clicking on a couple of switches.

Jammers, used to inhibit transmission of signals, has come of age in the country.
Developed by the Defence Electronic Research Laboratory (DLRL) and assembled by the State-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), the portable jammer on display at the exhibit stalls of the first International Conference on Electronic Warfare, was the centre of attraction of many a participants.

“Once a domain of the Armed Forces, jammers are now being increasingly sought by the police and security agencies”, a DLRL scientist said at the sidelines of the conference on Thursday.

The repeated use of remote controlled explosive devices by terrorists and naxals - wherein an explosive like a landmine is triggered with the help of a remote control - has prompted police departments to buy jammers as a part of their VVIP protection system.

Impede the functioning
Simply put, the jammers when switched on impede the functioning of remote controlled devices or even mobile phones.

Cellphone going ‘out of range’ at functions attended by VVIPs like the PM are the result of jammers being switched on at the venue by the Special Protection Group (SPG).
Sale of jammers is on the rise. According to BEL officials, more than 500 convey jammers -- wherein a SUV is fitted with a long range jamming device - have been purchased by police and security agencies of various states during the last couple of years.
While the suitcase jammer is effective only in confined spaces, say a conference hall, long range jamming devices are used outdoors and usually form part of a VVIP convoy.
DH News Service