2 arrested for carrying 199 gelatin sticks

Mumbai: The Thane police crime branch arrested two persons in possession of 199 gelatin sticks and 100 detonators near Taloja on Sunday. The unit III of crime branch received information about alleged illegal sale of the explosives.

The arrested men are being questioned about the buyer and purpose of their use. Gelatin sticks and detonators are at times used for causing controlled explosions for construction purposes, apart from criminals. The arrested accused were identified as Ashok Tamhane (28) and Sameer Dhule (24), both residents of Karjat in Raigad district.

“We received a tip off that two persons would come with explosives following which a trap was laid enroute Pangaripada to Khonigaon and the duo was nabbed. A team of bomb detection and disposal squad was also summoned at the said spot,” said a Thane crime branch officer.

While the officials are yet to ascertain the actual use of these explosives, the investigators said that they were likely to be used for quarrying purpose in Navi Mumbai. The accused are however being questioned to ascertain if the same was to be used for any terror related purpose.

A case has been registered against the duo under sections of the Explosives Act and the Indian Penal Code and further probe is underway. The accused have been remanded to police custody for further interrogation.