In Bihar’s Patna, the police officials of Gopalganj seized 50 grams of radioactive californium, worth roughly Rs 850 crores in the international market, on Friday, August 9.
Three persons were arrested at the Balthari check post in Kuchaikote and the banned radioactive material was seized from their procession, Gopalganj SP Swarn Prabhat stated.
The material Californium is a restricted radioactive substance used in nuclear power plants, cancer treatments and manufacturing of portable metal detectors, as per reports.
SP Swarn Prabhat further informed that the police acted on a tip off and made the seizure. The seized radioactive material has been sent to the depart of atomic energy for testing and a forensic team has been called to test its authenticity, he added. The SP informed that the police are currently investigating the source of the substance and its intended use. The handlers and the money trail, including other persons involved will also be the subject of investigation.
The arrested persons were reportedly trying to sell the radioactive substance for several months. They also had an alleged ‘lab test report’ from IIT Madras. After police made inquiries with the IIT Madras, the so-called ‘lab test report’ was found to be fake.
The arrested individuals are named Chhotelal Prasad, Chandan Gupta, and Chandan Ram. Two of the arrested persons are from UP’s Kushinagar.
