In a major security breach, a powerful plastic explosive was found in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath yesterday informed the House, which unanimously recommended an NIA probe into it
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In a major security breach, a powerful plastic explosive was found in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath yesterday informed the House, which unanimously recommended an NIA probe into it.
Uttar Pradesh Police swung into action and registered an FIR against unknown persons after recovery of the explosive. The FIR was lodged under various sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 121A (conspiring to wage war).
Chief Minister Adityanath informed the House that the white powder was found wrapped in a paper close to the seat of the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. Pics/PTI
Found by cleaning staff
As soon as the House met yesterday morning, Adityanath, who earlier chaired an emergency security meeting, informed that white powder was found wrapped in a paper close to the seat of the Leader of the Opposition Ram Govind Choudhary. The explosive was found by the cleaning staff on July 12.
The quantity of the explosive was 150 grams. According to experts, 500 gm of this explosive is enough to blow up the House, the chief minister said.
After the powder was sent for FSL examination, it was found to be a dangerous plastic explosive PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate), he said.
The dog squad failed to detect the explosive kept under the cushion of a seat.
In his suo motu statement, the chief minister said, "The security of the House is our concern. This is part of a dangerous terrorist conspiracy and should be exposed. The state government wants to get an NIA probe done in the matter and police verification of employees and officials working in Vidhan Bhawan." The House passed a resolution recommending an NIA probe into it.
Agencies
One of the most dangerous plastic explosives
PETN is one of the most dangerous plastic explosives available in the black market and preferred by terrorists as the colourless crystals easily surpass security checks.
Additional Director General (Law and Order) Anand Kumar later explained to mediapersons that for an explosion three things - explosive, detonator and power pack (source of power) - are needed.
“Here only an explosive has been found,” he said, adding that 150 grams of PETN was not sufficient to cause any explosion. He said a probe is on in the matter and CCTV footage will be studied.
150 gm
The quantity of the explosive found
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