In an incident highlighting security breach, explosives of the colonial era were found inside the wells near the lahori Gate of the Red Fort located in North Delhi on Sunday evening.
According to the police, the incident was reported during a cleaning drive conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) where a cleaner found three boxes of ammunition and explosives while sweeping the spot.
On closer inspection, police found 3 boxes containing explosives like grenades were found to be at the bottom of the well.
Officials said that the explosives are very old and it is a matter of investigation to find out whether these are from colonial era or not.
“On January 5, the North district police was informed by the CISF that workers of Archaeological Survey of India, during the process of the cleaning of wells inside the Red Fort, have found some ammunition cartridges and boxes containing explosive type materials. Immediately police teams led by senior officers reached the spot and cordoned off the area,” said Jatin Narwal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North).
The senior police official further said that it was later revealed that the ASI has been conducting cleanliness drive and it was during this period that the labourers of the ASI noticed these boxes covered in the mud and took them out of the well.
“National Security Guard (NSG) and army authorities were informed. The army and NSG teams inspected the area on Monday. The operations to remove the explosives from the site have been undertaken. Further investigation is underway,” added the DCP.
The boxes were found in one of the wells behind the Publication building. A senior Fire Department official said that they got a call from police at 8.30am on Monday, after which fire tenders were also rushed to the spot.
“There were 2-3 more such boxes visible inside the well. So the bomb disposal squad was called in to retrieve and diffuse them if they are found to be active,” said the officer.