Two Odisha ordnance factory workers suspended after explosives found in goods wagon

Prafulla Chandra Badajena, the superintendent of Railways (Rourkela), said that the TNT explosives were part of a consignment from Maharashtra to the Badmal factory.

“Following the unloading of the consignment at the factory, the goods train returned to Kantabanji station. The railway authorities found the TNT explosives during a routine checking of the unloaded wagons as rice bags were to be loaded at the station, to be sent to Bihar,” Badajena told The Indian Express.

Immediately, the Railways Police informed the station master and other authorities concerned about the explosives. After a thorough examination, they ascertained the manufacturing factory and informed it about the seized explosives, which were later handed over to them.

Badajena further said that no FIR has been registered yet as the factory authorities have already received the leftover consignment after completing the required formalities. “It is up to the Badmal factory authorities to find out whether it happened due to someone’s negligence or a criminal conspiracy. If this was a criminal conspiracy, they will register an FIR at the local police station, and further action will be taken,” Badajena said.

A detailed investigation is underway, officials said.

According to Railways Police sources, the delivery of the consignment was a major concern as it lacked the mandatory heavy security and scrutiny, especially in a region that shares its border with Chhattisgarh.