Bomb shells found at MP scrap dealer's shop; IAF summoned
What's the story
A bomb disposal squad and an Indian Air Force (IAF) team were called to a scrap dealer's shop in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, on Friday after 12-15 bomb shells were discovered during a routine police search. The shells, some of which are suspected to be live, were found in the shop owned by Naeem Qureshi.
Details
Shells found during routine police search ahead of Independence Day
The bomb shells were found during a routine police search ahead of Independence Day. The shells, which resemble miniature rockets, have the word "practice" inscribed on them. Additional Superintendent of Police Kamala Joshi said, "Around 12-15 shells, some empty and some suspected to be live, were found after which we called the BDS from Narmadapuram and an IAF team from Amla Station in Betul."
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Scrap dealer's shop, nearby houses evacuated
The police official added, "As a safety measure, the police had the scrap dealer's shop and nearby houses evacuated." Qureshi said he was unaware of the contents of two sacks sold to him by two men identified as Wasim and Shahrukh from Indira Gandhi ward in the city.
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'I didn't know these sacks contained bomb shells'
"I took the consignment on face value since I have bought items from the two earlier. I didn't know these sacks contained bomb shells," Qureshi told reporters. Further details about the shells and their disposal will be determined after expert analysis, according to Additional SP Joshi.
Investigation
Qureshi's son taken into custody for further investigation
In connection with the incident, Qureshi's son Aquib, also a scrap dealer, has been taken into custody for further investigation. The police are also trying to trace Wasim and Shahrukh. "We are trying to trace the two men who sold the shells to Qureshi. We are also investigating if there is a larger network involved in this," said a police official. Further investigation is underway.