On Friday, in a major security lapse, an explosive substance was found near one of the benches of the State Assembly in Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe.
On Thursday, a suspicious white powder was discovered by Vidhan Sabha which has been missed by both House security and dog squads.
Mr. Adityanath said in the Assembly that a forensic investigation of the substance revealed it to be Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN.)
The white packet weighed 150 grams which contained the substance. The packet was found under the chair of Ram Kobind Chaudhary, the Leader of the Opposition.
The Chief Minister has called for an urgent meeting on Assembly security to communicate his concern over the security lapse.
“The PETN found in the Vidhan Bhawan proves that some people are up to some sort of mischief. We need to respond strongly to their mischief. That is why it is necessary for the NIA to probe this and unmask such elements,” Mr. Adityanath said.
Adityanath stated that a proper police verification should be conducted of the Assembly staff as such lapses could be very dangerous.
“It is difficult to trace this explosive. Only when officials physically check it that it can be traced,” the chief minister said.
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker, Hriday Narain Dixit said Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and Quick Response Teams will be deployed at the Assembly premises.
