Palghar sleeper cells in security agency radar

Seizure of a huge cache of explosives containing RDX and ammonium nitrate were found from a spot approximately an hour away from high security zones Tarapur Atomic Power station and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, have raised suspicion whether the explosives were meant for these high-security targets. The Maharashtra ATS has asked the local police and CISF to tighten security at sensitive installations.

Following a tip-off from the Intelligence Bureau that a consignment of explosives were procured via coastal routes of Gujarat and stored in a secluded go-down at Palghar, on 27 October, teams from Palghar and Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) swooped down on an unused go-down of Public Works Department situated at Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway near Varai phata.

The agency seized 15 kilograms of explosives along with the detonators and gelatin. Forensic analysis of the seized explosives revealed that it was RDX and Ammonium Nitrate.

A senior official from the State ATS said, "We have informed the local police and Central Industrial Security Force to tighten the security and keep a watch on the suspicious activities near their premises. The navy and coast guards are alerted during such situations to beef up the measures in the sea and increase the patrolling."

A case has been registered at Kalachowkie police station under relevant sections of the Indian Explosives Substance Act and the ATS have identified three landing sites in the region from where the explosives were dug inside the ground.

ATS Chief Atul Kulkarni did not respond to the calls and message.