Nearly 20,000 Gelatin sticks seized in Birbhum

Police in West Bengal’s Birbhum district seized nearly 20,000 gelatin sticks and arrested one person in a major crackdown on illegal explosives movement, officials said on Wednesday.

The explosives, packed in 50 bags, were recovered from a pick-up van coming from Pakur in neighbouring Jharkhand during a routine vehicle check on Sultanpur–Nalhati Road on Tuesday night.

Police added that coordination is ongoing with Pakur Police to trace the source and destination of the seized consignment. In the wake of the incident, security checks and surveillance have been stepped up across sensitive areas of the district to prevent any potential misuse of explosives.

Gelatin is a highly powerful, gelatinous explosive used legally in mining, quarrying and controlled demolitions strictly regulated due to its destructive potential.