Mystery over ‘explosive’ in UP Assembly deepens

Lucknow: The mystery over the white powder, purportedly the deadly explosive PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate) found in the UP assembly on July 12, is getting increasingly complicated.

After the Agra forensic laboratory claimed that no traces of the explosive were found in the powder sent to it for a second examination, the state government said that no sample had been sent to the Agra forensic lab for examination.

Principal secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar said, “The sample was not sent to Agra as they do not have the technology to conduct the tests. The factual position is that SFSL Lucknow has found the substance to be water insoluble. Different reagents confirm the presence of a nitrate, preliminary tests using explosive detection kit were positive for PETN.”

The Uttar Pradesh police website, however, says that the Agra lab had an explosives division. “An explosive division was sanctioned for undertaking the examination of explosive material. This division started functioning at Agra in 1987. It is expected to cater to the needs of all the districts in the state,” the website said.

IG ATS, Aseem Arun, on the other hand, said tests were being done by two labs for a reliable report. “We have sent the sample to Lucknow Forensic Lab. It is not our concern that in which of their laboratories, they are conducting the tests. The ATS always gets the tests done from two labs, now the sample will be sent to Hyderabad Forensic Lab for the final opinion,” he said.

According to sources, those who conducted the tests at Lucknow are not experts in dealing with explosives while the Agra laboratory report was prepared by a panel with expertise in examining explosives.

Pentaerythritol tetranitrate or PETN can easily dodge metal detectors and its colorless crystals are hard to detect in sealed containers. It was a powerful explosive, 100 grams of which was enough to blow up a car to pieces, said experts.

At least 150 grams of the “explosive” was found in a packet under the seat cushion in the state Assembly.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath informed the state Assembly on Friday about the recovery of the “explosive” and called for an NIA investigation.

The state Assembly has cancelled at least 1500 passes and security has been considerably tightened after the incident.