Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 24: Six police personnel, including an officer, have been suspended for alleged dereliction of duty after explosive materials were discovered on a route where Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy was scheduled to pass earlier this month in Bengaluru.

The incident took place on May 10 near Vaderahalli Gate in Bengaluru South taluk, just hours before the Prime Minister was due to travel to the Art of Living International Centre.

According to an order issued by Bengaluru South district superintendent of police Srinivas Gowda, disciplinary action has been taken against one PSI, one assistant sub-inspector (ASI), and four constables deployed for security and bandobast duties.

Police sources said the personnel were part of a high-security deployment for the Prime Minister’s visit but allegedly failed to exercise adequate vigilance and caution.

Around 9 am on the day of the incident, a constable reportedly spotted a suspicious box lying by the roadside, triggering immediate concern among police and security agencies.

Following the alert, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) rushed to the spot and conducted a detailed inspection. Upon opening the box, officials reportedly recovered gelatin-stick-like explosive materials wrapped in tape.

After the discovery, the entire stretch leading to the Art of Living International Centre was subjected to intensive security screening before the Prime Minister’s convoy was cleared to proceed.

An internal inquiry was subsequently initiated into the security lapse. Preliminary findings reportedly indicated negligence on the part of the six personnel deployed in the high-security zone, leading to their suspension.

The recovery of explosives along a Prime Ministerial route has raised serious concerns over VIP security preparedness. Investigators are also probing who placed the explosives at the location and whether a larger conspiracy is behind the incident.

Further investigation is under way.