Baharagora: An expert Indian Army team successfully neutralized and detonated a World War II-era American bomb found in the Subarnarekha River near the Panipara-Nagudshai area of Baharagora block. The high-stakes operation concluded safely under strict security protocols.
Operation Timeline and Safety Measures
Army experts prioritized public safety by moving residents to secure locations at least one kilometer away from the site. The team then executed two controlled detonations using detonators:
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First Bomb: Neutralized at 12:22 PM.
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Second Bomb: Neutralized at 1:22 PM.
Discovery of the “Silent Killer”
The panic began on March 17 when local fishermen discovered a heavy, cylinder-shaped metal object while fishing in the river. Upon closer inspection, the object resembled a bomb, triggering an immediate alarm throughout the district.
Investigations identified the find as a US AN-M64 model bomb weighing 227 kg. Experts noted that the bomb’s extremely sensitive condition made the disposal process exceptionally challenging.
Security Lockdown and Modern Surveillance
To prevent any mishaps, authorities sealed a one-kilometer radius around the discovery site. Police and security forces blocked all public entry points, while the team utilized drones and advanced surveillance technology to monitor the area in real-time throughout the operation.
Tactical Neutralization
The Army’s Bomb Disposal Squad employed a strategic approach to contain the blast:
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They dug a 10-foot deep pit along the riverbank.
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They placed the ordnance inside the pit to muffle the impact.
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The controlled explosion ensured zero damage to the surrounding environment.
A Coordinated Success
The success of the operation relied on seamless coordination between the Indian Army, District Police, and Local Administration. The Fire Department and NDRF remained on high alert throughout the process. Following the successful blast, the administration thanked the villagers for their cooperation and for maintaining peace during the temporary evacuation.
