Gelatin Sticks Found on PM Modi’s Route, Six Bengaluru Cops Suspended

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Bengaluru has sparked serious security concerns after explosive materials were discovered along his convoy route. The incident, which took place on May 10, has now led to the suspension of six police personnel over alleged negligence in security arrangements. According to police officials, two gelatin sticks and several suspicious items were found near Kanakapura Road, close to a forested area adjacent to the Prime Minister’s travel route. The recovered materials included six incense sticks, a matchbox, wires, cellophane tape, a battery pack, and what appeared to be a circuit board. These items were detected nearly one and a half hours before PM Modi was scheduled to pass through the area. Prime Minister Modi was in Bengaluru to attend celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation as well as the 70th birthday of spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The discovery of explosive materials near the convoy route immediately raised alarms among security agencies. Following the incident, Bengaluru South District Superintendent of Police R Srinivas Gowda suspended one Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), one Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), and four constables. The officers are accused of failing to properly carry out their security duties during the Prime Minister’s high-profile visit. The Kaggalipura Police registered a case under Sections 4 and 9B of the Explosives Act, which deal with illegal possession and handling of explosive substances. Despite an intensive investigation over the past 15 days, police have not yet identified any suspect or made any arrests. Authorities are also struggling to determine where the gelatin sticks came from or whether the materials were part of a planned attack. Investigators are examining all possible angles, including sabotage and deliberate attempts to create panic during the Prime Minister’s visit. To strengthen the probe, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived from Delhi and joined local police in the investigation. However, officials have so far failed to trace the source of the explosives or establish who placed them near the route. The incident has once again highlighted concerns about VIP security arrangements in India, especially during visits by the Prime Minister. Security agencies remain on high alert as investigations continue into one of the most serious security lapses reported during PM Modi’s public engagements in recent times.