A security alarm arose on the outskirts of Bengaluru early Sunday morning, just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled along Kanakapura Road to visit the Art of Living Foundation campus. Two gelatin sticks were discovered near Kuppareddy Kere, close to Thathaguni Estate on the route designated for the PM's convoy, prompting an immediate response from security and anti-sabotage teams already deployed for the high-profile visit.
Discovery of Explosives
Police reported that the explosives were found approximately 20 to 25 feet away from the main road beside a compound wall on National Highway 948, roughly two kilometers from the Art of Living campus. The discovery occurred about one and a half hours before Modi's convoy was scheduled to pass through the area.
The packet containing the gelatin sticks was noticed by a police constable on special duty. Officials stated that the constable spotted a suspicious cover near the roadside and, upon inspection, discovered the explosives before immediately alerting senior officers.
Immediate Response
Anti-sabotage teams rushed to the location and seized the gelatin sticks. A case has been registered under the Explosives Act at the Kaggalipura police station. DIG (Central) S Girish said that special teams were formed to investigate the incident and trace those responsible for leaving the explosives near the convoy route. "We are investigating who threw the gelatin sticks on the roadside," Girish said, while also commending the constable whose alertness led to the discovery.
Police officers emphasized that there was no immediate danger of an explosion because no detonator was found with the gelatin sticks. Investigators are examining whether the material was intentionally placed to create panic or draw attention during the PM's visit. "There was no possibility of an explosion as no detonator was found. We suspect someone who has issues with the Art of Living may have dropped the gelatin sticks at the spot to create panic. However, the investigation is on from all possible angles," a police officer said.
Details from Officials
Bengaluru South Superintendent of Police R Srinivas Gowda stated that the packet was found a kilometer from the NICE Road junction between 9:45 am and 10 am. "A constable, during area domination duty, found a packet around 20-25 feet away from the road near a compound. The packet contained two gelatin sticks. We need to investigate further to ascertain more details," he said.
Hoax Call Adds to Security Concerns
Even as police teams investigated the gelatin sticks, another security concern emerged. Bengaluru city police received a threat call claiming that explosions would be carried out at HAL Airport and the Art of Living campus. Police later detained a 42-year-old man identified as Lohith in connection with the hoax call.
Lohith, a resident of Koramangala 8th Block and a former IT employee who is currently unemployed, was apprehended at a bus stand on Bannerghatta Road by a joint team of Koramangala and Suddaguntepalya police. Officials said the threat call was made around 7:30 am to the police control room. The information was immediately relayed to local police stations, triggering a rapid search operation.
A senior police officer said preliminary inquiry suggested Lohith may be mentally disturbed. However, investigators believe he has no connection to the gelatin sticks found near the convoy route. A separate case has been registered at Koramangala police station, and further investigation is under way.
