Gelatin box on PM’s route had batteries, wires too: Probe

Bengaluru: The gelatin scare on PM Narendra Modi's route to the Art of Living Foundation took a serious turn with the suspicious carton box — seized on Sunday with gelatin sticks, matchsticks, and camphor — also containing batteries, wires, a real-time clock and an LCD display.On Sunday and Monday, police maintained the box had only gelatin sticks, matchsticks, and camphor. Other materials used in an explosive device were revealed only after central agencies — National Investigation Agency and Intelligence Bureau — sought details of the probe currently handled by Karnataka police.Though the nature of contents of the box is alarming, a police officer probing the case said the devices were not potent enough to cause an explosion. "The intent was, perhaps, to create panic and commotion around the PM's twin events in Bengaluru," the officer added.Personnel from NIA, IB and Internal Security Division visited the spot and are collecting details of the explosives found near Kuppareddy Kere, about 2km from AOL and 90 minutes before the PM's convoy was to pass through on Sunday.Deputy inspector general of police (Central) S Girish said the investigation was being carried out from all angles and added they were yet to identify the person who placed the gelatin box next to the wall of Kuppareddy Kere.Police said special teams have been formed and sent to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. CCTV cameras at entry and exit points towards Art of Living Foundation and Kuppareddy Kere are being analysed. A team is also checking cameras on routes connecting Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Bengaluru city.Police have registered a case under Explosives Act. Investigation is headed by the Ramanagara deputy superintendent of police.