Amid controversy, state govt sticks to PETN claim
Rubbishing some media reports to the contrary, the state government on Tuesday maintained that the preliminary test at the state forensic science laboratory (SFSL), in Lucknow had confirmed the suspicious powder found inside the UP assembly on July 12 was the high potential explosive PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate).
Principal secretary (home) Arvind Kumar denied any sample was sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Agra for further examination. His statement came after some sections of the media reported that the FSL Agra had rejected the Lucknow laboratory’s claim that the suspicious powder was PETN.
He said the process of handing over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was underway after confirmation of PETN during primary examination by the SFSL, Lucknow.
The UP police website (uppolice.gov.in) says that the cases related to explosives are examined at Agra FSL only. But, Kumar said no sample was sent to FSL Agra as it did not have the machines to conduct the requisite tests.
Kumar told reporters that the preliminary test at the State FSL in Mahanagar, Lucknow. had confirmed PETN. The reports of two further tests were still awaited. He said the State FSL, Mahanagar, in its report, has found the substance as “water insoluble and that different reagents confirm the presence of a nitrate”.
He explained that two confirmatory tests were being conducted at State FSL, Mahanagar. These tests are known as Infrared Spectrum and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrum. The two test reports were likely to be received on Thursday, he said.
Inspector general, UP Anti Terror Squad (ATS), Asim Arun said the ATS will send the samples to top laboratories in the country for re-confirmation of the explosive powder.
Earlier, G Khan, joint director of state FSL, said the forensic examination of the powder had confirmed it was PETN but its purity level was not known. He had said the sample would be sent to the explosive unit of Agra forensic laboratory to examine the purity level.
The suspicious powder was found in the UP assembly when the VVIP area was being sanitised before the start of the second day’s proceedings of the on-going budget session on July 12. The chance discovery of the powder caused panic after the state FSL confirmed it to be a high potential explosive powder.
The Lucknow police lodged an FIR against unidentified people in connection with recovery of PETN from UP assembly at Hazratganj police station on July 14.