Incident Overview

Six Karnataka policemen were suspended on Sunday following the recovery of gelatin sticks near the Art of Living Ashram in Bengaluru’s Kaggalipura-Tataguni area, an incident that occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city on May 10. The order, issued by the Superintendent of Police (SP), Bengaluru South, comes as part of an internal departmental inquiry into lapses in security arrangements. The suspended officers will remain off duty until the investigation concludes.

The gelatin sticks were discovered approximately 90 minutes before the Prime Minister’s scheduled programme in the vicinity. A police constable on routine patrol noticed a suspicious packet lying near a compound wall about 20 to 25 feet from the roadside, roughly one kilometre from the NICE Road junction. Upon inspection, the packet contained two gelatin sticks, prompting immediate security protocols. The area was cordoned off, and the explosives were safely removed.

Security Lapses and Investigation

The discovery raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the security sweep conducted prior to any high-profile visit. Karnataka Police had implemented heightened security measures, including anti-sabotage checks, but the gelatin sticks remained undetected until a constable chanced upon them. Central Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Girish stated that the explosives were not found on the exact road used by the Prime Minister but on a nearby footpath. “The police have done a good job in finding the sticks. However, we are investigating how they ended up there and who placed them,” he said.

An intensive joint investigation by Bengaluru City Police and Ramanagara Police is underway. Officials are examining CCTV footage from the area, questioning locals, and analyzing forensic evidence. The gelatin sticks have been sent for chemical analysis to determine their origin and potential detonator mechanisms. Police are also probing whether the incident was an act of sabotage, a misplaced item from construction work, or a deliberate attempt to create panic.

Political Reactions

The recovery immediately triggered a political storm, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeting the Congress-led Karnataka government. State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra called it an “unpardonable failure” of law and order under the current dispensation. In a social media post, he alleged that public safety in Bengaluru had deteriorated significantly, citing this incident as evidence. The ruling Congress party, however, dismissed the claims as cheap politicking, pointing to the swift action of suspending the policemen and the ongoing probe.

This is not the first time security breaches have occurred during VIP movements in Karnataka. In 2023, a similar incident involving the recovery of explosives near a railway track led to heightened tensions. The state has also faced criticism for inadequate policing in the wake of rising crime rates in Bengaluru. The gelatin sticks episode has further polarized the political landscape, with both sides using it to score points ahead of upcoming local elections.

Background on Gelatin Sticks and Security Protocols

Gelatin sticks are a type of commercial explosive commonly used in mining, quarrying, and construction. They consist of nitroglycerin absorbed into a porous material, often mixed with nitrocellulose to form a gelatinous mass. Due to their high stability and water resistance, they are widely used but also strictly regulated under the Explosives Act, 1884. Any unauthorized possession is a serious offense, especially in proximity to a high-security event.

During VVIP visits, security agencies typically conduct multi-layered checks: route sanitization by anti-sabotage teams, deployment of snipers, drone surveillance, and coordination with local police. The fact that two unsupervised gelatin sticks were found so close to the Prime Minister’s route indicates a breakdown in one or more of these layers. Security experts have noted that such lapses can occur due to human error, inadequate training, or insufficient intelligence sharing. In this case, the reliance on a constable’s observation rather than systematic sweeps highlights potential gaps.

Broader Implications

The suspension of six policemen is likely just the beginning. The departmental inquiry may lead to more severe disciplinary actions or even criminal charges if negligence is proven. The incident also puts pressure on the Karnataka Director General of Police to review standard operating procedures for VVIP movements. Some analysts argue that the state’s police force is overstretched due to frequent political rallies, cultural events, and routine law enforcement, leading to fatigue and oversight.

On the national stage, this incident has been cited by the opposition as evidence of deteriorating internal security under the Congress-led state government. However, the central government has not yet made any official comment. The discovery has also reignited debates about the politicization of security lapses, with critics accusing the BJP of exploiting the issue for electoral gain.

Timeline of Events

• May 10, 2026: PM Modi arrives in Bengaluru for a series of engagements. Around 90 minutes before his arrival, a constable finds two gelatin sticks near Kaggalipura-Tataguni. Security tightened, sticks removed.
• May 11-24: Police conduct preliminary investigation. DIG Girish briefs media on the find. Political parties react.
• May 25: Six policemen suspended pending inquiry. SP Bengaluru South issues suspension order.
• Ongoing: Forensic analysis, CCTV review, and questioning of suspects continue. Departmental inquiry progresses.

Expert Opinions

Retired police officer and security analyst Ravi Sharma commented: “The recovery itself is a success, but the failure is in prevention. If anti-sabotage teams had done their job thoroughly, the sticks would have been found earlier. There needs to be accountability at multiple levels.” Another expert, Dr. Meena Krishnan, a criminologist, stressed the importance of community policing: “Such incidents often have local leads. The police must strengthen intelligence networks in peripheral areas to preempt threats.”

The case also highlights the challenges of balancing security with everyday life. The area where the sticks were found is a mix of residential and commercial zones, with ongoing construction projects. Some speculate that the gelatin sticks may have been discarded by unauthorized builders or stolen from a licensed site. Police are verifying permits from nearby construction firms.

Continued Coverage

As the investigation unfolds, more details are expected to emerge. The suspended policemen have been summoned for questioning. Their colleagues in the same unit are also being interviewed. The state government has assured that no stone will be left unturned to find the perpetrators. Meanwhile, security around the Prime Minister’s future visits to Karnataka will likely be tightened further, with additional layers of checks and redundancies.

For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required to protect national leaders. It also underscores the need for robust internal accountability within police forces to maintain public trust. The fallout may lead to policy changes in how security operations are conducted in the state, especially in the run-up to the 2027 general elections.

Source: The News Minute News