BENGALURU, 21 MARCH

A suspicious substance resembling an explosive was discovered in accommodation for hotel workers in Bellahalli, prompting a police investigation. The Sampigehalli police recovered a box containing the object, which has been sent for forensic analysis.

The substance was found inside a polythene bag belonging to Abdul Rehman, a 23-year-old local resident.

Rehman had approached the Sri Devi Vaibhav Hotel on Wednesday in search of a helper position. Although he was provided with lodging alongside other workers, he had not yet submitted his identification and address proof as requested by the hotel management.

On Thursday, his roommates inspected Rehman’s belongings and were alarmed to discover the substance within a box in his polythene bag. The hotel management promptly informed the police, who swiftly arrived and took Rehman into custody.

During interrogation, Rehman claimed he had discovered the box while scavenging for scrap in an isolated area of Bellahalli. However, the police have initiated legal action under the Explosive Substances Act and are conducting an extensive investigation.

Joint Commissioner of Police, East Division, Ramesh Banoth, informed Salar News that initial assessments by the bomb squad suggested the object might be a type of firecracker, but further testing is necessary. The recovered material has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed analysis, and the investigation remains ongoing.