Explosive in UP House; NIA probe recommended

A dangerous plastic explosive was found in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly triggering a major security alert and prompting a complete overhaul of the security system in the Vidhan Bhavan.

About 150 grams of plastic explosive, which was identified as PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate), was found under the seat of an Opposition party legislator on Wednesday.

The explosive, which was in powder form, was sent for forensic examination that confirmed it as PETN. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed serious concern over the “slack security” in the House and termed it a “conspiracy” which could be connected to terrorism.

He announced that the probe into the matter would be handed over to the NIA.  He also held meetings with senior police officers and directed them to review the security in the Assembly.

“It is a very serious issue. How was the explosive brought into the House despite tight security? It shows that security is lax. We need to take steps to put in stringent security checks,” he said.

Threat to Assembly
Adityanath said 500 PETN, which was difficult to be detected because of being odourless, was enough to blow up the entire Assembly. The explosive was detected by a sweeper, while cleaning the House.

He urged Speaker Hriday Narain Dixit to take immediate steps to ensure that no one gets into the building without a stringent security check.

The S­peaker also took note of the incident and cancelled all passes except those of the MLAs and the employees.

Adityanath said anyone could enter the Assembly and referred to his first visit to the House after he became the chief minister. “I found flashes of the cameras and people going here and there without any check,” he said.

“We should have security checks like at the airports. No vehicles should be allowed without entry pass. There must be a police verification of every employee,” he added. He also appealed to the legislators not to bring mobile phones into the House.

“Kindly keep them in silent mode if you bring them,” requested Adityanath. Dixit said quick response teams would be deployed at the entry gates of the Assembly and full body scanners would also be installed.