A rescue operation following an accident involving a cement truck near Nungba uncovered a cache of gel explosives hidden in the hillsides adjacent to National Highway 37. The incident occurred approximately 8 km from Nungba towards Kambiron village.
According to reports, the accident involving a cement-laden truck bearing registration number WB-33-D-4700 took place at Milestone 135 on Thursday. Upon arriving at the scene around 3.30 pm, rescue teams immediately sprang into action to assist the personnel involved in the accident.
During the rescue operation, a team led by officer commanding, COB, T-6A Barak, recovered a sizable consignment of gel explosives concealed within polythene sheets. The cache, consisting of 335 pieces of gel explosives, each weighing 125 grams, amounted to a total of 41.875 kilogram. The explosives were found buried between 5 to 100 meters downhill from the roadside, posing a grave threat to public safety.
Reports said that authorities were notified, including the officer-in-charge of ‘A’ Coy, 87 Bn CRPF, and the officer-in-charge of Nungba Police Station. Collaborative efforts ensued, with personnel from ‘A’ Coy, 87 Bn CRPF, and the Nungba Police Station mobilising to support the rescue operation.
The recovered gel explosives have been handed over to the Nungba Police Station for further investigation and necessary action. The incident has sparked concerns over potential security risks and the need for heightened vigilance along transportation routes.
Meanwhile, the officer in charge of Nungba Police station clarified that the recovery of gelatin sticks is not related to the tata truck loaded with cement bags which met with a self accident. The cement bags were brought from Silchar to be used in the railway project.
It said that the truck fell off the cliff of the highway when a minor landslide occurred and no case has been taken up as the truck owner urged not to take up a case on the incident as it was a self accident. The truck owner took help from the nearby villagers to take out the cement bags from the accident site and the villagers recovered the hidden polythene bags of gelatin sticks when they were climbing up and down to take out the cement bags, it added.
After taking out the gelatin sticks covered in mud the villagers tested the sticks if they could use them for fish hunting. 11 GR found the villagers testing out the sticks and inquired about the whereabouts and they were informed of the spot where it was hidden. Nungba Police also reached the spot after they were informed about the incident and a case has also been taken up following the recovery.
