Bengaluru: City police on Tuesday seized a cache of explosive materials allegedly being used for illegal rock blasting at a private residential layout in Akshayanagar. The operation followed a tip-off about unauthorised blasting activity inside a plotted site located within a densely populated neighbourhood, raising serious safety concerns for nearby residents.
According to police officials, the explosives were found stored and used at a 100×100 ft private site where rock-breaking work was underway without mandatory government permissions. Officers said gelatin sticks were being used to carry out controlled blasts as part of excavation work, but the required licences and certified supervision were not in place.
The seizure included explosive substances as well as heavy machinery allegedly deployed for the blasting operation.
Tip-off leads to surprise inspection
Police said they received credible information that explosive materials were being used regularly at the site during daytime hours. A team was immediately dispatched to verify the inputs and inspect the location.
On reaching the spot, officers found evidence of ongoing blasting-related activity. During the search, they recovered 15 gelatin sticks, 30 detonators and other associated explosive materials. Authorities also seized a tractor and a JCB machine suspected to have been used for excavation and rock blasting work.
Investigators said the blasting activity was reportedly being carried out between 10.30 am and 2 pm, a time when residents are active in the area, thereby increasing the risk of injury or property damage in the event of a mishap.
Workers flee as police arrive
Police said daily wage labourers present at the site fled shortly after the inspection team arrived. No injuries were reported, and no blast was in progress at the time of the raid.
Officials noted that the timely intervention likely prevented a potentially dangerous incident, given the presence of live explosive materials at an unsecured worksite inside a residential layout.
Residents in the surrounding area had reportedly expressed concern over loud sounds and ground vibrations in recent days, prompting suspicion that unauthorised blasting might be taking place.
Bomb squad secures the materials
Following the seizure, a bomb disposal squad was called to the location to examine, secure and neutralise the explosive materials as per safety protocol. The squad conducted a technical assessment of the seized items and the storage conditions at the site.
Standard procedure requires that explosives such as gelatin sticks and detonators be stored, transported and used only under licensed conditions, with strict documentation and trained handlers present. Any deviation is treated as a serious violation due to the high risk involved.
Officials said further technical analysis will determine whether the materials were industrial-grade and traceable through authorised supply chains.
Case registered under Explosives Act
Police have registered a case against the site owner, identified as Chandru, under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and related rules governing possession and use of blasting materials. Authorities said using explosives in or near residential areas requires prior approval from competent departments and must be supervised by certified blasters.
Preliminary findings indicate that no such permissions were obtained for the Akshayanagar site and that no qualified expert was present during the blasting operations.
Investigators are now working to trace the source from where the explosives were procured and whether any supplier violated licensing norms while issuing them.
Probe into supply chain and permissions
Police said the investigation will also examine whether forged documents or unauthorised channels were used to obtain the gelatin sticks and detonators. Statements from nearby residents and potential contractors connected to the site will be recorded.
Civic and safety authorities may also be consulted to verify if any excavation or construction approvals had been granted for the plot and whether the work exceeded permitted limits.
Conclusion
The seizure has highlighted the dangers of unauthorised blasting activity inside growing urban residential layouts. Police said strict action will follow against those responsible, and further charges may be added depending on bomb squad findings and supply chain verification. Authorities have urged the public to report suspicious excavation or blasting activity promptly to prevent accidents.