Army Defuses World War II-Era Bomb near Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: The Indian Army provided major relief to local residents by successfully defusing a high-risk, World War II-era bomb recovered from the Subarnarekha River near Baharagora in East Singhbhum.

Villagers discovered the powerful explosive—an aerial bomb weighing approximately 200–227 kg—during excavation and fishing activities along the Panipada–Nagudsai stretch. The find triggered immediate panic throughout the region.

Specialized Army Operation

A specialized Bomb Disposal Squad from the Army’s engineering unit led the operation. After conducting a detailed assessment of the site, terrain, and river flow, the team initiated the delicate defusal process. Experts identified the device as a US-made “AN-M64 500 lb” bomb, a relic dating back to the Second World War.

Controlled Defusal in a Secured Zone

To mitigate risks, the Army used controlled techniques to neutralize the threat. Engineers dug a deep pit and surrounded the bomb with sandbags to absorb the impact of a potential blast. They established an operation base at a safe distance and sealed a one-kilometer radius around the site, evacuating nearby villages as a precautionary measure.

Multiple Recoveries Raise Safety Concerns

Officials revealed that teams have recovered more than one such bomb from this specific river stretch in recent weeks. These findings raise concerns about additional unexploded ordnance (UXO) remaining in the area. Consequently, authorities have intensified surveillance and plan to conduct further searches along the riverbed.

Villagers Express Relief

The successful operation ended days of fear and uncertainty for the local community. While residents returned to their homes, investigation agencies began examining the recovered fragments to confirm the bomb’s origin and historical context. This incident underscores the need for continued monitoring of the Subarnarekha region, where remnants of past conflicts still lie buried beneath the surface.