Govt Creating Rift in Communities: Kumaraswamy on IED in M’luru

The device (in orange) where the suspected IED has been kept. 

(Photo: Screengrab)

Hours after the security agencies recovered a low intensity Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from Mangaluru International Airport, former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday, 20 January, said he suspects that the “government is creating a situation of conflict between different communities.”

According to authorities, a black bag with explosives and other components of an IED were found in the bag.

The IED, however, did not have a charging mechanism and trigger operation, said CISF officials. “In other words, it had explosives, but it was not a live bomb. We suspect the explosive was silver power,” said Anil Pandey, DIG, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

The explosive device was later destroyed in a controlled explosion in the outskirts of Mangaluru city on Monday evening.

‘Shouldn’t Give Story a Different Spin Later’

JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said, “I have got information that they have found a bomb at Mangaluru Airport. The airport has CCTVs, it is not that difficult to find out the perpetrators. The police have sought a month's time apparently,” reported ANI.

He continued, “In my opinion they shouldn’t give the story a different spin later. I have a suspicion that the government is creating a situation of conflict between different communities.”

IED Had no Trigger

“One very low intensity explosive has been traced. Some person kept a bag and left it unattended outside the airport, near an airlines ticketing counter. Within five minutes our men deployed outside observed this bag and we brought in the sniffer dog and other things. Then BDDS (Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad) was called in,” said DIG Pandey.

He added that the BDDS team identified it as low intensity IED: “It had all components of an IED, except the charge mechanism and triggering operation. Now it has been taken away by the police and disposal action will be taken.”

Mangaluru police officials have moved the IED into a bomb disposal device and it was taken away from the airport by road.

Suspect Caught on CCTV

CCTV cameras have recorded footage of a man wearing a cap leaving the bag at the counter. “He is seen dropping the bag near the counter and later leaving the airport in an auto rickshaw. The local police are investigating further,” said Pandey.

Mangaluru Police Commissioner PS Harsha said: “We have moved the suspicious baggage to an isolated bay and the work is on. People have been evacuated from the area and we have cordoned off the area. The situation is peaceful, and the police is doing its job.”

The IED was disposed at an open ground in the outskirts of the city on Monday evening. Mangaluru Commissioner Harsha also added that three special teams have been formed to nab the suspect.

(With inputs from ANI)