6 Bengaluru police personnel suspended after explosives recovered near PM Modi’s convoy route

Six police personnel have been suspended after gelatin sticks were recovered near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s route during his Bengaluru visit earlier this month, officials said on Sunday.

The suspensions were ordered by the Superintendent of Police, Bengaluru South (Ramanagara), pending an inquiry into the incident, which has raised concerns over a potential security lapse during Modi’s May 10 visit.

Police said the explosive material was discovered during routine security sanitisation and checks conducted ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival.

According to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Central Range), two gelatin sticks were found near a footpath on the outskirts of Bengaluru, around three kilometres from the main venue where Modi was scheduled to attend an event.

“Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival, during checking, two gelatin sticks were found on the side of the footpath, nearly 3 km away from the main venue where he was scheduled to arrive. Further investigation is underway,” the official said.

Authorities said the six suspended personnel will remain off duty until the inquiry is completed. Investigators are examining how the explosive material reached the area and whether there was any deliberate attempt to compromise security arrangements.

Following the discovery, the area was cordoned off and bomb disposal as well as forensic teams were deployed for examination.

The incident also triggered political reactions. BY Vijayendra criticised the state government over the recovery, describing it as a serious security failure and alleging a collapse of law and order in Karnataka.

He said there should be “not even the slightest lapse” when it comes to the security of the Prime Minister and called for strict action against those responsible and against officials found negligent.