Detonators, gelatin sticks found in plastic bag at BMTC bus stand in Bengaluru, search on for suspect

Bengaluru:

Six gelatin sticks and several detonators were discovered in a plastic carry bag near a toilet at the Kalasipalya BMTC bus stand in Bengaluru on Wednesday, raising serious security concerns.

The explosives were found within the premises of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus stand, prompting the immediate deployment of bomb disposal squads and police teams to the scene.

The police have cordoned off the area and seized the detonators and gelatin sticks for further investigation

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (West Division) S Girish, the gelatin sticks and detonators were found separately packed inside a bag placed outside the toilet at the bus stand. "An FIR is yet to be registered," he said, confirming that investigations are currently underway.

The recovery has led to heightened security measures at the bus stand and nearby areas, while authorities are probing the origin and intent behind the explosives.

 

Suspicious bag raised alarm

A case has been registered under the Explosive Substances Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 288 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances) and Section 61 (criminal conspiracy), following a complaint filed by the Assistant Traffic Superintendent.

According to the FIR, the complainant was on duty at the Kalasipalya bus stand from 8 am and reported no suspicious activity during that time. However, at around 1:15 pm, security personnel named Prabhavati and Raju brought an abandoned bag to the complainant's office. The bag had been found near the toilet at the bus stand and was believed to have been left behind by an unknown person.

The complainant, along with BMTC employees and the security team, inspected the bag. A police official on duty suspected the contents might include explosive materials and immediately alerted the police control room.

Soon after, police arrived at the scene and carried out a detailed inspection of the bag. They confirmed the presence of explosives. Given that Kalasipalya bus stand is a heavily crowded public area, authorities believe the explosive materials were placed there with malicious intent to cause harm to people and property.

Search on for suspect who left the bag

An investigation is underway. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from the bus stand to trace the person who abandoned the bag.

The person in charge of the public toilet at the BMTC bus stand stated that a plastic bag had been placed just outside the facility. On spotting the unattended item, he informed BMTC mechanics. After opening the bag and finding what appeared to be explosives, they alerted the police.

The police responded with a bomb disposal squad and a dog squad. After examining the bag, officials confirmed that it contained gelatin sticks and detonators. The identity of the person who placed the explosives and their motive is still unknown.

This incident comes months after a blast at Rameshwaram Cafe in the city last year, which injured at least ten people. That case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further inquiry.

 

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