Bengaluru: A major security alert was triggered on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Sunday after two gelatin sticks were discovered near the convoy route scheduled to be used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the city.

The suspicious materials were found in Kaggalipura, located in Bengaluru South, prompting an immediate response from police and anti-sabotage teams. Authorities have also detained a resident from Koramangala for allegedly making a threatening phone call ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.

According to police officials, a constable noticed a suspicious packet near the convoy route and quickly alerted senior officers. Security personnel rushed to the spot and recovered two gelatin sticks during the inspection.

Anti-sabotage teams conduct searches

Speaking to reporters, Central Division Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Girish confirmed that the police and specialised anti-sabotage teams conducted detailed checks in the area after the suspicious material was detected.

“The constable noticed a suspicious packet and informed senior officials. The anti-sabotage squad and police teams reached the spot immediately. Two gelatin sticks were recovered and a thorough inspection was carried out,” the officer said.

Police officials stated that no arrests had been made in connection with the gelatin sticks so far. Investigators are currently examining how the explosive materials reached the location and whether there was any specific intent behind placing them near the convoy route.

The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), along with canine units and additional police teams, intensified security checks across multiple locations linked to the Prime Minister’s programme in Bengaluru.

Search operations were conducted at the HAL grounds and the Art of Living Foundation centre in Bengaluru South, where the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend events.

Threatening phone call adds to security concerns

In a parallel development, Bengaluru police detained a Koramangala resident for allegedly making a threatening phone call warning authorities about a possible threat during the Prime Minister’s visit.

The phone call reportedly triggered immediate security sweeps across the city on Sunday morning. Officials said the caller’s identity was traced quickly, leading to the detention of the suspect for questioning.

Police are now investigating the credibility of the threat and trying to determine whether the phone call was intended as a hoax or linked to any larger security concern.

A joint probe involving Bengaluru City Police and Bengaluru South district police is currently underway.

Officials said investigators are also examining whether there is any connection between the threatening phone call and the recovery of the gelatin sticks in Kaggalipura.

Security tightened across Bengaluru

Following the incident, security arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit were significantly tightened across Bengaluru. Additional police personnel were deployed along convoy routes and near event venues as a precautionary measure.

Senior officers supervised security operations while anti-sabotage squads continued inspections in sensitive areas. Authorities also monitored public movement around the Prime Minister’s scheduled locations to ensure there were no further threats.

The recovery of gelatin sticks near a VVIP movement route has raised concerns among security agencies, especially considering the high-level security protocols followed during Prime Ministerial visits.

Gelatin sticks are commonly used in quarrying and construction-related blasting activities, but police officials are yet to confirm whether the recovered materials were industrial explosives or intended for any unlawful activity.

Investigators are expected to analyse forensic evidence and gather CCTV footage from nearby areas as part of the ongoing probe.

Investigation under way

Police officials have appealed to the public not to spread rumours or panic while the investigation continues. Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact quantity or condition of the recovered gelatin sticks.

Security agencies are likely to question local residents and examine recent activities in the area to identify any suspicious movements before the Prime Minister’s arrival.

The incident has once again highlighted the extensive security challenges involved in organising high-profile political visits and the need for continuous surveillance during VVIP movements.

Officials stated that further details would be shared after preliminary investigations and forensic examinations are completed.