Almora, Uttarakhand: A major security incident occurred in Uttarakhand's Almora district after 161 explosive gelatin sticks were discovered near a school in Dabara village. The recovery prompted immediate action from local law enforcement, including the deployment of bomb disposal squads and an ongoing investigation to determine the source and intended use of the explosives.
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Subhash Singh, the principal of the Government Higher Secondary School in the Sult area, noticed suspicious packets in the bushes near the school and alerted the police. According to the FIR filed by Assistant Sub-inspector Diwan Singh Bisht, the principal contacted the police at approximately 2:50 pm after children playing near the school spotted a suspicious substance in the bushes.
Responding to the alert, police teams rushed to the scene and cordoned off the area. A subsequent search, which included the use of a canine unit, led to the discovery of multiple packets of gelatin sticks concealed in the bushes, spaced about 20 feet apart. The bomb squad was called in to seal and secure the explosives. The recovered gelatin sticks weighed over 20 kg.
Almora Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Devendra Pincha confirmed the recovery and stated that an investigation is underway to determine why the explosives were brought to the village. SSP Pincha urged the public to avoid spreading or believing rumors, assuring them that verified information would be shared as the investigation progresses.
A case has been registered against unknown persons under Section 4(a) of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and Section 288 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which pertains to negligent conduct involving explosive substances. Four teams have been formed to investigate the matter. Forensic experts have begun a second round of testing to determine the source and nature of the gelatin sticks, mapping the site and collecting soil samples and other evidence.
The recovered items are cylindrical plastic packets, printed with "901 emulsion explosives 125 gm by SBL Energy Limited". Gelatin sticks are often used for rock blasting in road construction. Authorities are exploring all possible angles, including potential terror links, particularly in light of the recent blast near Delhi's Red Fort and heightened security alerts across the nation.
The discovery of the explosives near the school has raised concerns, prompting a comprehensive combing operation across the forested belt, bushes, school campus, and nearby footpaths. The police are working to trace the origin of the explosives and determine their intended use, while taking measures to ensure public safety and prevent any potential threats. SSP Pincha stated that the recovered explosives would be safely disposed of after obtaining court approval.
