The recovery of gelatin sticks, batteries, wires and a crude circuit-like assembly near the road used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Bengaluru has prompted investigators to examine whether the materials were intended to spark a larger security scare, according to police officials involved in the investigation.
What initially appeared to be a case involving explosives in a quarry, has now evolved into a multi-agency investigation after electronic components were recovered from a cardboard box found during security clearance operations near the Bengaluru-Kanakapura Expressway.
Senior investigators said the material recovered from the site raised concern because the mixture of explosive materials and circuits resembled components sometimes used in explosive devices, although officials stressed that the kit found at the scene was incomplete and incapable of causing an immediate explosion.
“Gelatin sticks alone could indicate illegal transportation or quarry use,” said a senior police officer, who requested anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. “But when you find circuits, wires and batteries with explosive materials, investigators are obligated to examine whether there is an attempt to manufacture some kind of IED mechanism.”
The suspicious device was found near Kopareddy Lake next to Bhairava Mandya Uposaru Modi Hotel, near the safe route for Modi’s visit to the Art of Living Foundation’s ashram on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
According to investigators, the cardboard box contained gelatin sticks as well as an arrangement of crude circuits, batteries and connecting wires. Police sources said that the materials do not amount to a functional explosive device in its current form.
Another senior officer said: “The recovered settings were not in a fit condition for immediate explosion or detonation. No timer-based operating mechanism or operational detonator has been found so far.”
Investigators are investigating whether the aim was to create panic or disrupt the Prime Minister’s program rather than to carry out a functional explosion. Officials are also investigating whether the materials are linked to the illegal handling of commercial explosives or were deliberately planted to trigger a security alarm.
The body was recovered on Sunday morning by Jagadish Doddamani, a 26-year-old constable attached to Kodihalli police station, according to the first information report registered at Kagalipura police station under the provisions of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 and the Explosives Act, 1884.
Doddamani was posted on security duty for the Prime Minister from May 8 and was posted at what police described as “Sector 1A point” along the Bengaluru-Kanakapura National Highway after attending security briefings at the Art of Living ashram.
The policeman said in his complaint that he resumed patrol duty at 7 am on May 10 to inspect the roadside area for any suspicious activity ahead of the Prime Minister’s move.
“While patrolling and observing to ensure that there were no unidentified persons, vehicles or objects on either side of the footpath, at around 9.45 am, I came across a transparent plastic cover with a plastic padlock attached in an empty space adjacent to the forest area complex, about 20 feet from the Bengaluru-Kanakapura Road,” the FIR quoted him as saying.
He opened the plastic wrap and found a khaki cardboard box wrapped with cello tape, the complaint stated.
“On one side of this box, approximately 6 incense sticks wrapped in a plastic thread-like substance were found. Nearby, matches, an empty camphor box and adhesive tape were seen,” the FIR said.
According to the FIR, Om Prakash, deputy inspector of Kunigal district police and supervising officer of the sector, reached the spot while the constable was inspecting the body. After examining the package, the officer informed the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) stationed for the Prime Minister’s visit.
The BDDS team, led by Reserve Inspector Mohamed Al Aris, arrived at the site around 10.15am and examined the material for about 35 minutes.
“They stated, prima facie, that there were explosive materials present,” the FIR said.
The policeman alleged in his complaint that unknown persons left the materials near the highway.
“It appears that some miscreants, for some reason, threw these explosive materials near Bhairava Mandya Uposaru Modi Hotel near Kopardi Lake on Bengaluru-Kanakapura National Highway and then left,” the FIR said.
The case is now being examined by multiple agencies because the recovery process took place along a route linked to the Prime Minister’s movement. The National Investigation Agency is expected to take over the investigation, officials said.
Investigators are also considering invoking provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act depending on the results of forensic analysis and intelligence inputs.
