NIA Probes Explosives Found on PM Modi’s Bengaluru Convoy Route

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a major investigation after explosive materials were discovered along Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy route in Bengaluru, triggering one of the most serious security scares in recent months. The incident occurred ahead of PM Modi’s visit to the Art of Living Foundation event on the outskirts of the city on May 10.

According to police officials, two gelatin sticks and a detonator box were found near the Tataguni–Kaggalipura stretch on Kanakapura Road during routine anti-sabotage security checks conducted before the Prime Minister’s convoy movement. The explosive materials were reportedly located close to Vaderahalli Gate, around 3 kilometres from the main event venue.

NIA Takes Over Investigation

Following the discovery, the NIA immediately joined the investigation along with Karnataka Police, the National Security Guard (NSG), intelligence agencies, and Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch (CCB). A special NIA team reached Bengaluru on May 11 to examine the spot and assess whether the incident was an accidental security lapse or part of a larger conspiracy.

Investigators are examining several possible angles, including:

• Potential terror links
• Organised sabotage attempts
• Security lapses
• Misuse of quarry explosives
• Hoax threats connected to the recovered materials

Authorities are treating the case as highly sensitive due to the involvement of the Prime Minister’s convoy route.

What Are Gelatin Sticks?

Gelatin sticks are explosive materials commonly used in mining, quarrying, and construction work. Though widely used for industrial purposes, they can become highly dangerous when combined with detonators and improperly handled.

Security experts say the recovery of such materials near a Prime Ministerial convoy route is considered an extremely serious matter regardless of whether the explosives were intended for an attack or abandoned accidentally.

Threat Call Added to Security Concerns

The situation became even more alarming after reports emerged that police had received a threat call shortly before the explosives were discovered. According to multiple reports, a man allegedly warned local police that explosions could occur near the Art of Living venue and HAL Airport area in Bengaluru.

Police later detained one suspect for questioning. Investigators are now trying to determine:

• Whether the caller planted the explosives
• If more individuals were involved
• Whether additional explosive materials were hidden nearby
• Whether the incident was intended to trigger panic or disrupt security arrangements

Officials have not yet confirmed any terror connection.

Massive Security Response in Bengaluru

After the recovery of the explosives, authorities immediately intensified security across Bengaluru. Bomb disposal squads, forensic teams, dog squads, and intelligence personnel were deployed across the convoy route and nearby areas.

Karnataka Police also formed six special investigation teams to probe the case from multiple angles. Additional anti-sabotage checks were conducted before PM Modi’s movement was allowed.

Despite the security scare, Prime Minister Modi attended the Art of Living Foundation’s 45th anniversary celebrations and inaugurated a meditation hall at the campus.

Political and Security Implications

The incident has raised serious questions about VIP security preparedness in India, especially at a time when intelligence agencies across the country are already on heightened alert over possible terror threats. Reports indicate that Delhi and several other cities had recently been placed under increased surveillance following intelligence inputs about potential attacks.

Security analysts believe the discovery of explosives near the convoy route highlights the challenges involved in protecting high-profile leaders during public events, particularly in large urban areas.

The Opposition has also demanded a detailed investigation into the incident and questioned how explosive materials could reach such a sensitive route despite extensive security arrangements.

Investigation Continues

At present, investigators are carefully examining CCTV footage, forensic evidence, mobile call records, and the suspect’s background. Agencies are also trying to trace the origin of the gelatin sticks and determine whether they were linked to nearby quarrying activities or deliberately placed near the convoy route.

Officials have not ruled out any possibility, and the NIA is expected to submit a preliminary assessment after reviewing evidence collected from the site.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of multi-layered security checks surrounding Prime Ministerial visits and the need for continuous vigilance against potential threats.