Gelatin Sticks and Detonators Found Outside Bengaluru BMTC Bus Stand Toilet

BENGALURU (July 23): In a shocking discovery, six gelatin sticks and several detonators were found in an abandoned carry bag outside a toilet at the Kalasipalya BMTC bus stand on Wednesday, police confirmed. Authorities have registered a case under the Explosive Substances Act and launched a high-level investigation to trace the suspects.

Swift Police Response After Suspicious Bag Found

Upon receiving information about an unattended bag near the bus stand toilet, the police immediately dispatched a bomb disposal squad and a dog squad to the location. The area was swiftly cordoned off, and a thorough search was conducted before the explosives were seized for further examination.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) S. Girish stated, “Six gelatin sticks and some detonators (kept separately) were found in a carry bag outside the toilet in Kalasipalya BMTC bus stand.”

Case Registered Under Explosives Act

Based on a complaint filed by the Assistant Traffic Superintendent, a case has been registered under:

• The Explosive Substances Act
• Section 288 (Negligent Conduct with Respect to Explosive Substance) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
• Section 61 (Criminal Conspiracy) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

How the Explosives Were Discovered

According to the FIR, the complainant was on duty at the bus stand since 8 AM and noticed nothing unusual until around 1:15 PM, when security personnel Prabhavati and Raju brought an unattended bag to his office. They informed him that someone had left it near the toilet.

Suspecting explosives, the police were alerted immediately. “Since Kalasipalya bus stand is a highly crowded public place, it is believed that the suspect(s) placed the explosive materials with the malicious intent of causing harm to public life and property,” the FIR stated.

CCTV Footage Being Scrutinized

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the individual(s) who left the bag. The person in charge of the public toilet stated that an unknown individual had placed the plastic bag outside the facility. Upon noticing it, BMTC mechanics opened the bag, identified the explosives, and informed the police.

“The police team arrived with a bomb disposal squad and a dog squad. They confirmed the presence of gelatin sticks and detonators. It is still unclear who placed them and why,” he added.

Past Incidents Raise Concerns

This incident has heightened security concerns in Bengaluru, especially after last year’s blast at Rameshwaram Cafe, which left at least 10 injured. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had taken over that case.

Investigations are ongoing, with police intensifying surveillance in crowded public spaces to prevent potential threats.

(Based on a PTI report)