Six Bengaluru policemen suspended after gelatin sticks found near PM Modi convoy route

Six police personnel have been suspended after two gelatin sticks were recovered near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy route ahead of his visit to Bengaluru on May 10. The suspension order was issued by Bengaluru South Superintendent of Police Srinivas Gowda pending completion of an inquiry into alleged lapses in security arrangements during the Prime Minister’s visit. Police have launched an investigation to determine how the explosive materials reached the area and whether there was any attempt to compromise security.

According to police officials, the gelatin sticks were discovered during routine security sanitisation and checking operations conducted before the Prime Minister’s arrival. The explosive materials were reportedly found near a footpath close to NICE Road Junction on Kanakapura Road, around three kilometres away from the main event venue where Modi was scheduled to attend a programme at the Art of Living Foundation centre near Kagalipura.

Officials stated that a police constable deployed for security duty noticed a box containing two gelatin sticks along with a circuit-like setup. Following the recovery, security agencies cordoned off the area, while bomb disposal and forensic teams were sent to the location for examination. A case was subsequently registered under the Explosive Substances Act at Kaggalipura Police Station.

The suspended personnel include a police sub-inspector attached to Sathanur Police Station, an assistant sub-inspector from Kaggalipura Police Station, and four other police personnel who were part of the security deployment during the Prime Minister’s visit. Authorities said the suspension would remain in effect until the departmental inquiry into the incident is completed.

The incident also triggered political reactions in Karnataka. BJP state president and MLA BY Vijayendra described the recovery of gelatin sticks near the Prime Minister’s route as a serious security lapse and demanded strict action against those responsible as well as officials found negligent in carrying out security arrangements.