BENGALURU: Six police officers, including a sub-inspector, have been suspended for a security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation in the Karnataka capital on May 10. The action comes nearly two weeks after explosives were discovered near Kuppareddy Kere, approximately 2 km from the AOL centre, along the Prime Minister's route.
Details of the Suspension
Bengaluru South Superintendent of Police R Sinivas Gowda, who ordered the suspensions, did not reveal the names of the suspended officers. The exact nature of the security lapse has not been disclosed, but it is linked to the discovery of the suspicious package.
Discovery of Explosives
The explosives, including two gelatin sticks, matchsticks, camphor, batteries, wires, a real-time clock, and an LCD display, were packed in a carton box found near the compound wall of a private property, around 25 feet away from the main road. A constable had found the suspicious box one-and-a-half hours before the Prime Minister's convoy passed through the route.
Investigation Progress
Police are yet to make a breakthrough in the case. Initially, police sources said only two gelatin sticks and a matchbox were found in the carton. However, after a few days, when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) collected details, the other components in the box came to light. Teams were sent to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, as well as neighbouring districts in Karnataka. NIA and Intelligence Bureau (IB) sleuths also visited the spot and collected details.
Forensic Report Findings
The forensic lab report submitted to the police noted there was no threat from the explosives found in the carton box. It stated that the gelatin sticks were around three years old, the timer was defunct, and there was no detonator in the box. Despite this, the security lapse has led to disciplinary action against the officers involved.
