Explosive material found: Police said that 161 packets of suspected explosive material were found near a school in Almora, Uttarakhand, on Friday. The principal of Government Inter College, Dabra, informed the police on Thursday after some children saw a suspicious substance in the bushes while playing. A police team went to the spot, secured the area, and recovered 161 sticks of suspected explosives.
According to the police, a total of 161 gelatin cylindrical sticks were found hidden in the bushes.
How was the ‘explosive material’ discovered?
The incident came to light when the school’s acting principal, Subhash Singh, noticed suspicious packages in the bushes. He immediately informed the police. Additional Sub-Inspectors Diwan Singh Bisht and Lomesh Kumar, along with their teams, arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area.
Teams from two neighbouring districts were included in search Ops
The search operation involved the BDS team and dog squads from Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts. A thorough search was conducted with the help of dogs Molly and Rambo. Some packages were recovered from the first location, and more from a second location approximately 15-20 feet away.
FIR Registered
An FIR has been registered at the police station against unknown persons under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. The act deals with attempting to cause an explosion or making or possessing explosives with the intent to endanger life or property and BNS section 288, which deals with negligent conduct with respect to explosives.
Police were told by senior officials to keep the area secure until the bomb squad arrived. They were also told that no further action should be taken before the squad reached. So, the police stayed on the school campus to guard the suspected explosive material.
About the Gelatin sticks found
The bomb disposal squad’s note said the gelatin sticks that were found are still dangerous. They will remain a risk until they are safely detonated or made harmless.
