Karnataka: 6 police officers suspended for dereliction of duty during PM Modi’s Bengaluru visit, explosive gelatin sticks were recovered near his travel route

Six policemen suspended pending investigation after explosives recovered near PM Modi’s Bengaluru route
Explosives materials found near PM Modi visit route in Bengaluru (Image via TNIE and Deccan Herald)

Six Karnataka police officers have been suspended after gelatin sticks were found near the route of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bengaluru earlier this month. Officials said the suspensions were ordered while an enquiry into the incident is underway, as the recovery of explosive material close to the Prime Minister’s route triggered serious security concerns.

The action was taken by the Superintendent of Police of Bengaluru South (Ramanagara) following the incident linked to PM Modi’s visit on 10th May.

Gelatin sticks found during security checks

According to police officials, the explosive material was discovered during routine sanitisation and security checking operations ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival in Bengaluru.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Central Range), Bengaluru, said that two gelatin sticks were recovered from the side of a footpath near Kagalipura, on the outskirts of the city. The location was reportedly around three kilometres away from the main venue where PM Modi was scheduled to attend a programme.

“Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival, during the checking, two gelatin sticks were found on the side of the footpath, nearly 3 kms away from the main venue where PM Modi was scheduled to arrive. Further investigation is underway,” the DIG said.

Following the recovery, security agencies immediately sealed off the area. Bomb disposal squads and forensic teams were rushed to the spot to examine the explosive material and check for any additional threat.

Police officials said the six suspended policemen will remain under suspension until the departmental enquiry is completed.

BJP attacks Congress government over security concerns

After the incident, Karnataka BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra strongly criticised the Congress government in the state and described the recovery of explosives near the Prime Minister’s route as a serious failure.

In a post on X on 10th May, Vijayendra said, “There should not be even the slightest lapse when it comes to the security of the country’s respected Prime Minister, who must be provided maximum protection.”

He also said that law and order had “completely collapsed” in Karnataka under the Congress government and demanded strict action against those responsible for the lapse.

Investigators are now trying to determine how the gelatin sticks ended up near the Prime Minister’s route and whether there was any deliberate attempt to compromise the security arrangements during the high-profile visit.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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