PM Modi Visit: Explosives Found Near Route in Bengaluru
A major security scare occurred in Bengaluru on Sunday after gelatin sticks were found near the route planned for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The explosives were discovered near Kaggalipura, close to the Art of Living Foundation venue where the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend an event.
During routine security checks before the Prime Minister’s arrival, two gelatin sticks were found on a footpath about three kilometres from the main venue. Police detained one person in connection with the incident and launched an investigation into how the explosives reached the area.
Sources said the suspect allegedly made a phone call to a local police station early Sunday morning, warning of possible explosions near HAL Airport and the Art of Living centre. Security agencies immediately searched both locations. Nothing suspicious was found near HAL Airport, but officers recovered the gelatin sticks near a bridge beside a compound wall along the Art of Living route.
Senior police officers, including a Deputy Commissioner of Police, questioned the suspect to determine if the explosives were deliberately placed and whether others were involved. Investigators noted that the detained man had allegedly made similar threat calls during earlier VIP visits to Bengaluru. In previous cases, police found no serious threat and noted the man had mental health issues.
However, officials treated this incident more seriously because explosive material was actually recovered after the warning call. Police suspect the gelatin sticks may have been intentionally thrown near the Prime Minister’s route and are examining all possible angles, including links to quarrying activity or deliberate planting. Bomb Disposal and Detection Squads, along with forensic teams, were deployed to the area.
Despite the security scare, Prime Minister Modi later attended celebrations marking 45 years of the Art of Living Foundation and participated in events linked to spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He praised the organisation’s work in spirituality, social welfare and environmental awareness, and inaugurated a new meditation hall at the foundation’s campus.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said Bengaluru had grown beyond being only a technology hub and had also strengthened India’s spiritual and cultural identity. Police said the situation was brought under control and further investigation into the recovery of the gelatin sticks was ongoing.