Gelatin sticks, detonators found on roadside in Pune: Cops arrest contractor, book owner of construction site nearby

According to officers, around 9.30 am on Monday, the police control room received a call that a woman waste picker had found a bag with “explosive substance” written on it and which contained sticks and wires. A team from the Vishrantwadi police station rushed to the location and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) was also called in.

The two bags were found in Lane No. 8 of the Tingre Nagar area, next to a lodge outside the gate of a construction site, the police said. As the BDDS team inspected the bags, they found that they contained 138 gelatin sticks and 135 detonator wires. The police team subsequently launched a probe to determine who placed the gelatin sticks and detonators recklessly in the public area.

Mangesh Hande, Inspector in-charge of Vishrantwadi police station, said the initial investigation indicated that the material was brought for use at the construction site outside which it was found. “The company that has undertaken the work has the requisite permit for possession of the explosives. However, they have been booked for negligent conduct and reckless handling of the explosive substance, and endangering the lives and personal safety of people,” Hande said.

The bomb squad subsequently secured the gelatin sticks and detonators. “Further investigation is on in the case,” the inspector added.