Daijiworld Media Network - Almora

Almora, Nov 22: Police on Friday recovered 161 packets of suspected explosive material from near Government Inter College, Dabra, after schoolchildren spotted a suspicious substance in bushes, officials said.

The principal informed the local police on Thursday around 2:50 pm. A police team secured the area and found cylindrical plastic packets marked “901 emulsion explosives 125 gm by SBL Energy Limited.” SSP Devendra Pincha said the explosives resembled gelatin sticks commonly used in road construction and stone blasting. Authorities are investigating how the material ended up at the site.

The bomb disposal and dog squad teams from Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts were called in on Friday. Using equipment and dogs Molly and Rambo, they conducted a detailed search, recovering additional packets 15-20 feet from the initial location. The recovered explosives were sealed and secured as samples.

An FIR has been registered against unknown persons under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, for possessing explosives with intent to endanger life or property, and under BNS Section 288 for negligent conduct with explosives.

Authorities cautioned the public against spreading rumours and confirmed that the recovered gelatin sticks remain potentially hazardous until neutralised or detonated. Investigations into the source and purpose of the explosives are ongoing.