Gelatin sticks found on PM Modi's Bengaluru convoy route; 6 probe teams formed
Synopsis
Gelatin sticks, detonators, and batteries were found sealed in a box along PM Modi's convoy route in Bengaluru — after the route had already been swept by the Bomb Squad. The accused, Lohith, had reportedly made a threat call before the discovery and is now being questioned by the NIA and CCB, with investigators probing a possible mental health angle.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka Police formed six special teams after two gelatin sticks , four detonators , a matchbox, and batteries were found on PM Modi's convoy route near Bengaluru .
The box was suspected to have been placed during the early hours of Sunday , after the BDDS had already completed its route inspection.
Accused Lohith was detained by Koramangala Police after allegedly making a threat call ahead of the PM's visit.
Teams from the NIA , CCB , Bengaluru City Police , and Bengaluru South Division Police participated in overnight interrogation.
Investigators reportedly found indications of mental health issues ; Lohith repeatedly said
Karnataka Police have formed six special teams to investigate the recovery of gelatin sticks along the route of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy near Bengaluru, ahead of his visit to the city, officials confirmed on Monday, 11 May. The discovery — made by a security constable who spotted a suspicious roadside box — triggered an immediate multi-agency response and a fresh sweep of the entire convoy route before the Prime Minister's movement was cleared.
What Was Found and Where
A constable deployed on security duty noticed a suspicious box lying by the roadside along the PM's convoy route. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) was immediately alerted and rushed to the spot. Upon examination, the box was found to contain two gelatin sticks, four detonator sticks, a matchbox, and two batteries — all sealed inside with tape on all sides. The explosives were seized on the spot, and the entire route was subjected to a second intensive security sweep before the convoy was allowed to proceed.
Notably, the BDDS had already conducted inspections along the Prime Minister's route the day before. Investigators now suspect the box may have been placed at the spot during the early hours of Sunday, after the initial sweep had been completed.
The Accused: Who Is Lohith
Probe teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) have questioned a man identified as Lohith in connection with a threat call made ahead of the Prime Minister's visit and the subsequent recovery of the explosives. According to sources, Lohith had allegedly made the threat call even before the gelatin sticks were found near the convoy route. The Koramangala Police detained him within hours of the call, after he reportedly contacted a resident of Koramangala.
Lohith was questioned from around 11 am until late Sunday night, with officials from the NIA, Bengaluru City Police, Bengaluru South Division Police, and other agencies participating in the interrogation. The accused had reportedly claimed to be the son of a former ISRO employee, prompting investigators to also question his parents during the probe.
Mental Health Angle Under Scrutiny
During the course of questioning, investigators reportedly found indications that Lohith was suffering from mental health issues. Sources said he repeatedly uttered the phrase,
Point of View
Reportedly with mental health issues, could place a sealed box of gelatin sticks and detonators in a post-sweep window points to a gap in the layered security architecture that protects the Prime Minister. The NIA's involvement signals that the Centre is treating this as more than a local law-and-order matter. Whether Lohith acted alone or was used as a conduit by others remains the central question that investigators must answer credibly and quickly.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was found on PM Modi's convoy route in Bengaluru?
A box containing two gelatin sticks, four detonator sticks, a matchbox, and two batteries — all sealed with tape — was found along PM Modi's convoy route near Bengaluru. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad seized the materials immediately.
Who is the accused Lohith and why was he detained?
Lohith is a man detained by the Koramangala Police after he allegedly made a threat call ahead of PM Modi's visit to Bengaluru. He was questioned by the NIA and CCB and is suspected of placing the explosive materials along the convoy route.
Was PM Modi's security compromised?
Authorities conducted a fresh sweep of the entire convoy route after the discovery and cleared it before the Prime Minister's convoy was allowed to move. Officials said PM Modi's security was ensured before his movement proceeded.
What is the NIA's role in the investigation?
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), along with the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and Bengaluru Police, is part of the six special teams probing the case. The NIA's involvement reflects the seriousness of a threat directed at the Prime Minister.
What is the mental health angle in the Bengaluru gelatin case?
Investigators reportedly found indications that accused Lohith was suffering from mental health issues during questioning. He repeatedly made statements such as 'The country is getting ruined,' prompting investigators to examine his mental condition as part of establishing motive.
