Six policemen have been suspended following the discovery of gelatin sticks on the outskirts of Bengaluru during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city on May 10. The suspension order was issued by the Superintendent of Police (SP), Bengaluru South, pending an inquiry into the incident. The gelatin sticks were found despite heightened security measures in place for the Prime Minister’s visit, raising concerns among security agencies.
Authorities are investigating how the explosive materials ended up in the area despite extensive security arrangements. The suspended policemen will remain off duty until the completion of the departmental inquiry. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the gelatin sticks are yet to be revealed.
It was reported that two gelatin sticks were found near the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru’s Kaggalipura-Tataguni area just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on May 10. The gelatin sticks were discovered about one-and-a-half hours before the Prime Minister’s program in the area. A constable on duty noticed a suspicious packet near a compound wall, leading to the discovery of the explosive materials.
An investigation has been launched by Bengaluru City Police and Ramanagara Police to determine how the gelatin sticks were placed in that location. Central Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Girish mentioned that the Anti-Sabotage Team and a local police constable were instrumental in finding the gelatin sticks. The recovery of the explosive items before the Prime Minister’s visit has sparked political reactions, with the BJP expressing serious security concerns.
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra voiced apprehension over the incident, labeling it as a significant security lapse. He criticized the Congress-led state government for failing to maintain law and order in Karnataka. Vijayendra highlighted concerns about public safety and law enforcement in Bengaluru under the current administration.
