How Did Explosive Powder Get Into UP Assembly?

PETN, a very powerful explosive, was recovered from the UP Assembly. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says it was a terror conspiracy, seeks NIA probe.

In a major breach of security, a highly explosive and powerful packet of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate or PETN, was recovered from the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The packet was found near the chair of the Leader of the Opposition Ram Govind Choudhry on July 12.

Nobody knew what the packet was until the forensic lab report confirmed that it was Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate or PETN, a highly powerful plastic explosive.

An agitated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said today that there may be a “terror conspiracy” afoot. He called the incident a major security lapse and demanded an National Intelligence Agency (NIA) probe into the matter.

“This is PETN, a highly explosive substance was found in the assembly. Action must be taken against those involved. How can we allow anyone to compromise the security of 403 MLAs? NIA must investigate this,” the chief minister said in the state assembly on Friday.

“Strong security system must be established as this could be a terror conspiracy,” he said.

Earlier, Yogi Adityanath had called a high level meeting to review the security measures in the assembly in light of  the packet incident. He told the MLAs to be cautious and make sure to follow security guidelines. He also said that police should carry out background checks for all workers in the state assembly.

“Everyone needs to be cautious related to security matters. Police verification needs to be done for workers in assembly… Security guidelines must be issued and everyone must follow them,” Yogi said.

The packet, weighing about 150 grams, was found during a routine security sweep on Thursday. As soon as the material was found, security officials reached the assembly and recovered it, before sending it to a forensic lab for analysis.

It is rather strange as to how the packet was smuggled in. The UP Assembly has multi-layered security system and an array of CCTV cameras. Was this an inside job to bring disrepute to the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh?

Or is there a wider terror angle? The chief minister is right in demanding an NIA probe. The outcome of the probe should be made public