Explosives scare near PM Modi event venue on Bengaluru outskirts, suspect in custody

The discovery comes amid heightened security arrangements for the Prime Minister's programme in Karnataka, with multiple layers of checking and surveillance deployed around the venue and surrounding areas.

At least two gelatin sticks were recovered near an event venue ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Sunday, triggering a security scare and prompting an intensive police investigation. The explosives were found near an ashram close to Kagalipura, around 3 kilometres away from the main venue where the Prime Minister was scheduled to attend a programme later in the day.

According to a police statement, the suspicious materials were discovered during routine security checks carried out before PM Modi’s arrival. “On Sunday morning, before PM’s arrival, during the checking, two gelatin sticks were found on the side of a footpath, nearly 3 kms away from the main venue where PM Modi was scheduled to arrive,” police said.

Security agencies immediately cordoned off the area after the recovery, while bomb disposal and forensic teams were rushed to the spot for examination.

Police have launched a detailed probe into the incident and are currently conducting intense interrogation of a suspect in connection with the case. Officials are trying to ascertain how the gelatin sticks reached the area and whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the recovery.

The incident came amid heightened security arrangements amid the Prime Minister’s visit to the Art of Living International Centre on Bengaluru’s outskirts, where he attended celebrations marking 45 years of the foundation and participated in events linked to founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

At the programme, the PM praised the Art of Living Foundation for promoting service, spirituality and social transformation, and called for collective efforts towards building a developed India rooted in environmental responsibility, youth empowerment and inner well-being.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Bengaluru had evolved beyond being just a technology hub and had also strengthened India’s spiritual and cultural consciousness. He also inaugurated a new meditation hall at the sprawling campus.

PM Modi stressed the importance of societal participation in nation-building and lauded the organisation’s welfare initiatives, including tribal empowerment programmes and mental health efforts for prisoners.

The Prime Minister also urged volunteers to intensify efforts towards natural farming, environmental conservation and sustainable living, saying, “Ecology and economy cannot be separated.”

Officials have not yet disclosed whether the recovered gelatin sticks were linked to quarrying activity in the region or deliberately planted near the route and venue area. Further investigation is underway.

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With agency inputs