An incident from Jharkhand’s Koderma district has put security agencies on high alert. Unknown criminals have stolen a large quantity of explosives from an explosive magazine located in Nawadih (Bahadurpur) village under the Markachho police station area of Koderma. The matter came to light on Saturday, 17th January. What has raised serious concern is that this magazine had been sealed since 2016 in a case linked to supplying explosives to Maoists.
According to officials, the stolen material includes a huge stock of gelatin powder, an explosive commonly used in mining and construction, but also misused for violent activities. The theft has triggered fears that the explosives could be used for criminal or extremist operations.
Locks broken using gas cutter, 21 boxes missing
Preliminary investigation suggests that the criminals carried out proper reconnaissance before executing the theft. The magazine is located deep inside a forested area and has two locks installed at the main gate. Police said one lock was broken while the second was cut open using a gas cutter.
According to the media reports, the criminals stole around 21 boxes of gelatin powder. The scale of the theft has led investigators to believe that an organised gang or a larger network may be involved, as moving such a large quantity of explosives would require planning, manpower, and transport.
The explosive magazine is said to belong to the late Raju Mehta, a resident of Phulwaria in Domchanch. The site has a troubled history. In August 2016, police in the Barachatti block in Gaya district of Bihar seized a vehicle carrying a big consignment of explosives meant for Maoist groups.
Following that case, Koderma-Gaya police had conducted a joint operation and sealed this magazine. Seven people were named in the FIR at the time, and three accused from Koderma district of Jharkhand were later convicted.
Serious lapses in security questioned
The incident has raised serious questions about security arrangements. Despite being sealed in a Maoist-linked case, the magazine had no guard, CCTV cameras, or regular police patrolling. Officials admit that the theft of explosives from a sealed site points to a major security lapse and could be part of a larger conspiracy.
After getting the news about the theft, the Markachho police were immediately rushed to the incident spot to investigate the crime. An FIR has been registered against unknown offenders. The police are currently investigating whether the theft was carried out by Maoists or criminals, as well as whether the stolen explosives have been moved to some other place.
