Army Experts to Defuse WWII US Bombs Found in Jharkhand River
A specialized squad of the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) of Jharkhand Police, is set to undertake a critical operation to defuse two massive World War II-era US bombs discovered on the banks of the Subernarekha River in Baharagora. The defusal operation is scheduled for Wednesday, following meticulous preparations by a team of military experts.
Expert Team Conducts Detailed Site Assessment
On Tuesday, a 15-member team of Army experts, led by Lieutenant Colonel Dharmendra Singh, visited the site located approximately 90 kilometers from Jamshedpur to conduct a thorough examination of the explosives. The team employed advanced technology, including aerial mapping with drones, to assess the situation comprehensively. As part of their preparatory measures, they dug a pit at a safe distance from the bombs to facilitate the controlled disposal of these heavy munitions.
Discovery of the Dangerous Ordnance
The first bomb, a US-made AN-M64 model measuring 700 mm in height and 300 mm in diameter, was unearthed on March 17 along the Panipada-Nagudsai stretch under the jurisdiction of the Baharagora police station. Subsequently, during the aerial mapping conducted on March 21, a second bomb of identical specifications was discovered at a villager's house within the designated danger zone. Each of these bombs weighs a staggering 226 kilograms and was found during illegal sand mining activities by locals in the river area.
Catastrophic Potential of the Explosives
In their professional assessment, the Army experts have issued a grave warning regarding the destructive capacity of these bombs. According to their evaluation, each bomb possesses the potential to obliterate an entire city the size of Ranchi, highlighting the extreme danger they pose to the surrounding region. An Army officer confirmed that the second bomb matches the first in both capacity and appearance, underscoring the uniformity of the threat.
Stringent Safety Measures Implemented
To ensure public safety, the police have established a strict security cordon, prohibiting access within a 1-kilometer radius of the bomb locations. Villagers have been explicitly warned against entering this danger zone. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Ghatsila range, Ajit Kumar Kujur, emphasized that all necessary precautionary measures are firmly in place to guarantee the smooth and secure defusal of the explosives, minimizing any risk to the local population.
The operation represents a significant effort by security forces to neutralize a historical threat that has resurfaced due to illicit activities, with the Army and police working in close coordination to safeguard the community from potential disaster.
