A major security scare was reported in Bengaluru on Sunday after gelatin sticks were recovered near the route scheduled to be used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the city.
The explosive material was found near Kaggalipura, close to the road leading to the Art of Living Foundation event venue where the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend a programme.
According to police, two gelatin sticks were discovered on the side of a footpath around three kilometres away from the main venue during routine security checks before the Prime Minister’s arrival.
“During checking before the PM’s visit, two gelatin sticks were found near the roadside close to the venue area,” police officials said.
One Person Detained After Threat Call
Police detained one person in connection with the incident and launched an investigation into how the explosives reached the area.
According to sources, the suspect allegedly made a phone call to a local police station early Sunday morning warning that explosions could occur near the HAL Airport area and the Art of Living centre.
Following the alert, security agencies immediately conducted searches at both locations. While nothing suspicious was found near HAL Airport, officers searching the Art of Living route recovered the gelatin sticks near a bridge beside a compound wall.
Senior police officers, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police, questioned the suspect to determine whether the explosives were deliberately placed and whether other people were involved.
Police also questioned the suspect’s family members as part of the investigation.
Police Probe Possible Security Threat
Investigators said the detained man had allegedly made similar threat calls during earlier VIP visits to Bengaluru. In previous cases, police reportedly found no serious threat and noted that the man had mental health issues.
However, officials said this incident was being treated more seriously because explosive material was actually recovered after the warning call.
Police suspect the gelatin sticks may have been intentionally thrown near the Prime Minister’s route and are examining all possible angles, including whether the explosives were linked to quarrying activity in the region or planted deliberately.
Bomb Disposal and Detection Squads, along with forensic teams, were deployed to the area after the discovery.
PM Modi Attends Art of Living Event
Despite the security scare, Prime Minister Modi later attended celebrations marking 45 years of the Art of Living Foundation and participated in events linked to spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
During the programme, the Prime Minister praised the organisation’s work in spirituality, social welfare and environmental awareness. He also inaugurated a new meditation hall at the foundation’s campus.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said Bengaluru had grown beyond being only a technology hub and had also strengthened India’s spiritual and cultural identity.
Police said the situation was brought under control and further investigation into the recovery of the gelatin sticks was ongoing.
