Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal
Bhopal, Apr 6: A routine well-cleaning in the Ranjhi Amnala area of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, has yielded an unsettling discovery: a significant number of army-grade hand grenade shells and cartridges lying concealed beneath the water's surface. Authorities are now awaiting expert analysis to determine the precise nature and origin of the unearthed ordnance.
The startling find occurred during the recent annual maintenance of the well, a task that took an unexpected turn when workers stumbled upon the submerged remnants of ammunition, already showing signs of rust. This prompted an immediate alert to the local police.
Initial inquiries suggest a potential link between the discovered grenades and shells and the Ordnance Factory Khamaria, a nearby government facility responsible for manufacturing ammunition for the Indian armed forces. Investigators are exploring the possibility that the items originated from this establishment.
Recognizing the potential implications of the discovery, both local police and security agencies have launched a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
On Friday afternoon (April 4), the situation escalated with the deployment of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) to the site for a preliminary assessment.
"While the discovered shells of military-grade ammunition, including what appear to be hand grenades, initially seem to be mere scrap metal, the BDS has determined them to be old and currently non-functional," explained Satish Sahu, City Superintendent of Police, Ranjhi, Jabalpur. "However, given their nature, we have dispatched the materials to explosive experts at the Khamaria factory for a thorough examination, and we are currently awaiting their detailed report."
Despite conducting interviews with local residents, investigators have yet to uncover any conclusive information regarding how the ordnance ended up in the well.
The police are also actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the deposition of these ammunition shells and cartridges. A key question remains unanswered: how did such aged scrap material find its way into the well during standard annual cleaning procedures? The gravity of the situation has led the police to engage forensic specialists and additional bomb squad units to ensure a comprehensive and meticulous investigation.
Authorities anticipate the release of a detailed report following the expert analysis. "Ultimately," the investigating officer commented, "it currently appears to be scrap and unusable material – nothing beyond that."