Three arrested over gelatin sticks and detonators found abandoned at Bengaluru bus stand

The police tracked down the trio with the help of CCTV footage and technical evidence. The trio were transporting explosives from Kolar to Kollegala for legitimate quarry and borewell drilling operations, according to the police. The trio abandoned their bag containing the explosives after mistaking Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation staff for police personnel owing to their similar khaki uniforms.

An officer said the police were verifying the accused trio’s claim that the explosives were meant for legitimate quarry work. “We are also investigating why suppliers provided explosives without proper documentation,” the police officer said.

During searches, the police recovered 22 live gelatin sticks and 30 live electric detonators from the arrested accused.

The police said the trio violated safety protocols by transporting explosives without proper licences or permits and failing to follow prescribed storage procedures.

The explosives, packaged separately, were found abandoned in a bag near toilets on July 23 at the bus stand, prompting an immediate response from police and bomb disposal units.

The Kalasipalya police registered an FIR including under the Explosive Substances Act and sections 288 (negligent conduct with explosive substances), and 61(1)(a) and (b) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Five teams were deployed to crack the case.