In a tense incident on Wednesday, authorities discovered six gelatin sticks and 12 detonators abandoned in a carry bag at the BMTC bus stop in Kalasipalyam, West Bengaluru.
According to S Girish, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), the explosive materials were found outside the men’s restroom. The bomb disposal unit and local police secured the items, and a case has been lodged under the Explosive Substances Act and Explosives Act. Additionally, sections 288 (careless handling of explosives) and 61(1)(a)(b) (criminal plot) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita were applied.
The report was initiated following a statement by Assistant Traffic Superintendent Mallappa R Kattimani. Around 1:15 p.m., two security personnel spotted the unclaimed bag near the washroom and handed it over to Kattimani. Sensing a potential threat, he promptly contacted the police.
Once opened, officers found explosive sticks and detonation cords inside. Early investigations suggest the bag was left by an unknown individual. Officers believe the gelatin, commonly used in mining, was not meant for an immediate blast, as it was stored apart from the detonators.
Investigators suspect the bag was dropped hastily when the person noticed someone in a khaki outfit — possibly confusing a BMTC staffer for a cop — and fled.
The police are currently scanning CCTV footage to identify the individual responsible.