Children Discover Rusted Mortar Shell in Village Pond, Triggering Security Alert
Panic gripped Gangapur village under the Maniyar police station in Ballia district on Tuesday evening after a group of children unearthed a rusted mortar shell while digging silt from an old pond. The discovery sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an immediate security response.
Discovery and Initial Response
The incident occurred around 5 PM when scores of children were engaged in fishing and extracting mud from a pond located near an old brick kiln on the Bansdeeh-Maniyar road. Initially mistaking the object for something ordinary, the children took it to a local scrap dealer with the intention of selling it. However, the dealer, recognizing the potential danger, advised them to inform the authorities immediately.
Upon receiving the information, Maniyar station house officer Ajay Tripathi and his team swiftly arrived at the scene. They isolated the entire area, restricting movement within a 200-meter radius to ensure public safety. The shell, bearing the distinct mark of a moon and star, was identified as likely being of Pakistani origin, heightening concerns.
Investigation and Army Involvement
Police called in experts from the forensic science lab to examine the shell. To adhere to standard operating procedures, a bomb disposal squad from the Army, based in Barabanki, was deployed to Ballia on Wednesday. Additional Inspector General (ADG) of the Varanasi zone, Piyush Mordia, confirmed the sequence of events after seeking a report from the Ballia Superintendent of Police.
"Some children of Gangapur village were extracting mud and fishing at an old pond around 5 pm on Tuesday when they found a mortar shell," stated ADG Mordia. "Maniyar police reached the spot and called forensic science lab experts after isolating the area in the vicinity of the pond."
Community Reaction and Rumors
News of the discovery spread rapidly across the region, drawing large crowds to the location and sparking various rumors. The presence of the police and subsequent arrival of the Army squad underscored the seriousness of the situation, as authorities worked to assess the threat and secure the area.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with unexploded ordnance in certain regions, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance and prompt reporting of such findings to prevent potential tragedies.
