Explosives Seized During NIA Operations in Dhanbad, Jharkhand
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Synopsis
On April 9, the NIA conducted extensive raids in Dhanbad's Nirsa and Chirkunda areas, seizing a significant quantity of illegal explosives. One individual was detained as investigations continue into the trade's national security implications.
Key Takeaways
- NIA conducted raids in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.
- Seized large quantities of illegal explosives.
- One person detained for questioning.
- Investigation linked to national security threats.
- Manhunt launched for fugitive Amarjeet Sharma.
Dhanbad, April 9 (NationPress) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) executed raids at three sites in the Nirsa and Chirkunda regions of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand, uncovering a significant stockpile of illegal explosives, as confirmed by officials.
One individual has been apprehended and is undergoing interrogation concerning the incident.
The Jharkhand police indicated that the NIA's Kolkata division acted on intelligence regarding the unlawful distribution and commerce of explosives from the Dhanbad coal belt to various locations in the nation.
During the operation, the agency discovered hundreds of kilograms of ammonium nitrate stored in 50 boxes, along with a considerable quantity of gelatine sticks—frequently utilized in detonations—from a residence situated in a remote area of Boria village under the Kalubathan Out Post.
The NIA team also targeted the home of Amarjeet Sharma in Layekdih under Chirkunda Nagar Panchayat, where his sibling, Sanjay Sharma, was detained.
Amarjeet Sharma, who is reportedly evading capture, is said to have transformed an old poultry farming warehouse into a storage facility for explosives.
According to local residents, the warehouse had been abandoned for years after a storm damaged its roof, and they were oblivious to any activities occurring there.
The Jharkhand Police stated that an NIA official remarked that the case poses grave risks to national security. "Individuals involved in this illegal explosives trade may have connections to various gangs across the country. We are also investigating potential links to anti-national factions," the official mentioned.
Local law enforcement supported the raids, and a manhunt is currently in progress to apprehend Amarjeet Sharma, who is believed to have fled upon learning of the operation.
The agency is further examining if there is a connection between the explosives confiscated in Dhanbad and those recovered during anti-Maoist operations in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand in recent months.
