A major security scare gripped Almora district after 161 gelignite sticks—over 20 kg of high-intensity explosive material—were recovered from thick bushes close to two schools in the Salt area. The alarming recovery, coming days after nearly 2,900 kg of explosive material linked to the Red Fort blast probe was seized in Haryana, pushed authorities into an emergency response mode involving multiple specialised units.
Explosives spotted by schoolchildren
According to police, the explosives were first spotted by school children on Thursday afternoon while they were searching for a cricket ball in the bushes behind their school premises. The sight of dozens of cylindrical sticks stacked together prompted the children to alert their teachers, who immediately informed local police.
A team from Bhikiyasain police station reached the spot and safely recovered the gelignite sticks on Friday. The material was later weighed, documented and sent for forensic testing.
An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons under Section 4(A) of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and Section 288 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (negligent conduct involving explosive substances).
Almora SSP Devendra Pincha said the timely alert from the children prevented a potential tragedy. “Samples have been collected, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine how the gelatin rods reached the spot and for what purpose they were kept,” he told TOI.
Possible link to old road construction work
Initial local inputs suggest the explosives may have been leftover material from an older road construction project in the area.
Dabhra village pradhan Arjun Singh said the bushes where the explosives were found lie barely 30 metres from the labour camp used during the PMGSY road project completed last year. “Workers had been breaking hard rock in the area. It is possible the gelatin sticks became damp, lost potency and were abandoned,” he said, adding that disposal procedures may not have been followed.
However, police officials emphasised that all angles are being investigated, especially given the large quantity and the sensitive location near schools.
Massive search operation launched
On Saturday morning, a multi-agency search operation began across the area. Personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), local police units, the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) and bomb disposal squads were deployed.
Teams conducted combing operations across:
- Forest patches
- Bushy areas
- School compounds
- Footpaths and adjoining ridges
The objective was to ensure that no additional explosive material was hidden in the vicinity.
Forensic teams collected soil samples, residue, fingerprints and packaging remnants from multiple spots to establish the age, source and chemical composition of the sticks. A second round of testing is now underway to trace the supply chain.
Investigators have geo-mapped the area and documented possible routes through which the material could have been transported and concealed.
Authorities urge calm but tighten vigilance
Senior officials have urged residents not to panic, stressing that preliminary evidence suggests non-terror links. However, given the heightened national context involving recent explosive seizures elsewhere, police are treating the case with utmost seriousness.
SSP Pincha confirmed that the gelignite sticks would be disposed of safely following court approval. “Public safety is our top priority. Every piece of evidence is being examined to identify the individuals responsible,” he said.
Why the incident is significant
Gelignite, a powerful industrial explosive commonly used in mining and road construction, becomes extremely dangerous when stored improperly. Finding such material within walking distance of two schools has raised understandable alarm in the community.
While abandonment after roadwork remains a plausible explanation, investigators are not ruling out other possibilities, particularly because:
- The material was neatly stacked
- It was found in a concealed location
- There was no immediate worksite nearby
- Quantity recovered was substantial
Authorities say the next 48 hours will be crucial as forensic reports are analysed and local worker groups are questioned.
Conclusion
The incident has underscored gaps in explosive handling and disposal mechanisms in rural construction projects. With forensic analysis underway and multi-agency teams involved, officials say they expect clarity soon. Meanwhile, police presence around the schools has been stepped up as a precautionary measure.