Residents of Vadodara's Navapura area were in for a major shock on Tuesday when a routine digging operation uncovered what appeared to be a live explosive device. The discovery prompted immediate police intervention and a swift response from the bomb disposal squad, creating a wave of anxiety in the locality.
Discovery and Immediate Police Response
The incident occurred on a plot of land in Navapura where local workers were engaged in digging. Their tools soon struck a hard, metallic object that bore an uncanny resemblance to a military-grade grenade. Alarmed by the find, the locals wasted no time and immediately alerted the Vadodara police.
Police officials rushed to the spot to secure the area and begin a preliminary investigation. Given the potential danger, the specialized bomb detection and disposal squad was also promptly notified and called to the scene to handle the suspicious object with expert care.
A Relic from the Past
After a careful examination, the experts were able to identify the object. It was confirmed to be a gas grenade, likely used for dispersing tear gas or smoke. More surprisingly, the police estimated its age. A senior police official stated that the grenade must be four to five decades old, making it a relic from a bygone era.
The official provided crucial reassurance to the public, confirming that the device was "dead" and inert, meaning it posed no risk of explosion and could not have caused any harm. Despite this, as a standard precautionary measure, the police have taken possession of the grenade and sent it for detailed forensic tests to understand its exact origin and composition.
Location Adds to the Tension
The situation caused a significant scare in the neighborhood, compounded by the specific location of the discovery. The plot where the grenade was unearthed is situated close to a religious place, heightening concerns about public safety and the potential for panic. The swift and professional handling by the police helped to quickly contain the situation and restore calm.
This discovery in Vadodara serves as a stark reminder of how historical artifacts, especially military ordnance, can occasionally resurface in urban areas, necessitating vigilance and proper protocol. The police continue their investigation into how the decades-old grenade ended up buried at the site.
