In a dramatic operation that culminated a month-long high-alert situation, the Indian Army's expert bomb disposal team successfully neutralized a 75-year-old World War II-era aerial bomb in Bolpur, Birbhum district of West Bengal.
The massive 100-kilogram British-made explosive device was discovered by local construction workers on November 6 while digging at a site in Bolpur's Sian Mullick area. The unexpected find immediately triggered a major security response, with local authorities cordoning off the entire area to ensure public safety.
Month-Long Security Operation
Following the discovery, the area remained under tight security for several weeks as experts assessed the best approach to handle the volatile situation. The bomb, identified as a Mark-IV British aerial bomb from the Second World War, had remained buried and forgotten for over seven decades.
"The device was still live and potentially extremely dangerous," explained a defense official familiar with the operation. "Given its age and condition, we had to proceed with utmost caution to prevent any accidental detonation."
Expert Defusal Operation
This week, a specialized team from the Indian Army's Bomb Disposal Squad was deployed to handle the delicate defusion process. The highly trained experts carefully examined the historic explosive before safely neutralizing it at the discovery site itself.
The operation required meticulous planning and execution, with safety protocols ensuring no risk to the surrounding residential areas. Local residents, who had been living with the knowledge of an active bomb in their neighborhood for weeks, expressed relief following the successful operation.
Historical Context
The discovery highlights the lingering dangers from World War II, when several areas in eastern India served as important military locations. Bolpur, now famous for its proximity to Santiniketan and Visva-Bharati University, was part of the broader military landscape during the war years.
Such discoveries, while rare, serve as reminders of the region's historical significance during global conflicts. Defense officials note that occasional discoveries of wartime explosives still occur in various parts of the country, requiring specialized handling.
The successful defusion operation demonstrates the continued expertise and readiness of India's defense forces in handling potentially catastrophic situations, even those dating back three-quarters of a century.
