Explosive in assembly: NIA likely to take over probe today
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is likely to take over investigation into the recovery of the high potential plastic explosive powder PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate) in the legislative assembly on Monday.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday asked for an investigation into the case by the NIA, a team of which visited the spot on Saturday though the formal probe by the central agency will begin only on Monday.
For its part, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad has already started a probe into the episode.
Inspector general (ATS) Asim Arun said the state government had recommended a NIA probe into the recovery of explosives in legislative assembly. The NIA team will arrive on Monday to start investigation in the case, he said.
Arun said the state forensic science laboratory is conducting a detailed test of the powder found in the assembly hall. The preliminary test confirmed that the material was PETN. The ATS or the NIA will send the powder for a retest to a top national laboratory, he said.
The legislative assembly staff registered an FIR at the Hazratganj police station on Friday.
The ATS recorded the statement of the assembly, secretariat staff as well as Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Pande from Unchahar as the PETN was found below the cushion of a seat that he usually occupies. The statement of the remaining staff was recorded on Sunday.
Additional director general (security) Vijay Kumar and ADG (Agra zone) Ajay Anand inspected the mock drill and security arrangements at the Vidhan Bhavan.
Apart from ATS commandos, UP police personnel and fire brigade staff were also spotted in the UP legislature. The UP Police had already put in place antisabotage measures apart from sounding a high alert.
Besides, the ATS looked into the details of CCTV footage of 23 cameras of which 12 are in the assembly. It is also studying the Doordarshan recording. Quick Response Teams, and additional PAC personnel have also been deployed in the UP Legislature.
THE STATE FORENSIC SCIENCE LABORATORY IS CONDUCTING A DETAILED TEST OF THE POWDER FOUND IN THE ASSEMBLY HALL