Mysterious packet keeps Varanasi on its toes

While there is no direct evidence to label the material as explosives or a radioactive substance, officials have not completely ruled out the possibility of the content being the latter, primarily because the of the words “anti-radiation packet” inscribed on it.

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According to Cholapur Station Officer, Pawan Upadhyaya, the incident was first reported on Wednesday from Marui village and the police had even visited the place but could not locate the bag as it had been moved to a different spot.

Giving details, Upadhyaya said: “The village’s former pradhan, Bhaiyya Lal, was reportedly approached by some people over the phone seeking accommodation in his house for some young boys who the callers said were taking the UP Board Examinations. On Wednesday, three persons are said to have arrived at his house but none looked young enough to be Class 12 students, prompting Bhaiyya Lal to ask all of them to leave immediately. They departed by the afternoon but left behind a bag. We received (this) information late in the night, but could not locate the bag as Lal had apparently taken the bag out of his house and kept it near a small water body.”

Incidentally, Lal has gone absconding and the police are trying to trace him.

Inspector General (Varanasi Zone), Amrendra Sengar said: “A team of scientists (from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Narora Atomic Power Plant in UP) have visited the spot and examined the material. Prima facie it does not seem to be explosive or radioactive material. But there is no confirmation.”

The IG was supposed to be in Lucknow for a meeting related to Police Week, but was reportedly asked to stay back to oversee the probe.On Thursday, Bomb Detection Unit was called over.

Circle Officer (Pindra), Paramhans Mishra, denied reports about some arms and ammunition were in the bag as well.

A team of nuclear physics scientists from Banaras Hindu University, too, visited the spot.

Professor Bhartendu Kumar Singh, who went there on Friday morning, said: “We have not detected any radiation around the material which is a good thing. We wanted to bring the bag but there are certain procedural issues involved, as the police are not yet in a position to certify that the material is not an explosive. We are only radiation experts. Another team of scientists also went to the spot this afternoon. We are waiting for their findings.”

Prof Singh added that the material was very heavy and also has “some codes” inscribed on it.

No FIR has been registered in the matter so far.