Belur Math blast: Chocolate bomb laced with ammonium nitrate, fuel oil

Kolkata, April 5: The explosion at the Belur Math in West Bengal is a wake up call to the establishment and from the forensics, it has been found that the explosive was laced with ammonium nitrate, potassium, metal chips and fuel oil.

The motive behind the incident is still unknown say the West Bengal police probing the incident. However they point out the intention was to scare and cause a certain amount of destruction in at the Belur Math in a bid to send a message.

The bomb composition

The composition of the bomb is what the investigators are looking into. Local gangs during political conflicts often are seen using the chocolate bomb in West Bengal. It is an explosive of very low intensity. What is normally done is that it is laced with fuel oil, ammonium nitrate and potassium so that the impact is higher. [Belur Math blast: What was the intention?]

It does not appear that these bombs were timed. They were either hurled or someone could have ignited them before fleeing from the venue, investigating officers also point out.

The lacing of this small explosive with ammonium nitrate, metal chips, fuel oil and potassium only increases its capability. Hence to term it as an ordinary firecracker would be wrong. The very fact that these substances were found on the explosive indicate that it was a low intensity bomb.

Had it been just a firecracker as many have claimed, it would not have shattered the glass to such an extent. The added substances is what triggered off such a loud explosion and had someone been close to the explosive, it could have been fatal, forensic experts point out.

Security needs to be stepped up

Ironically, there was no proper security in place at the Belur Math prior to the incident. In a bid not to inconvenience devotees, there was no frisking before anyone entered the premises. [Why are Bengal media & opposition silent on Belur Math blasts?]

The police have now suggested to the Belur Math authorities that all devotees must be frisked, as the venue is vulnerable. Considering the large gathering that is normally present and the importance of the venue, it could be a potential target.

Intelligence Bureau officials also point out that religious places in India are the prime target for any terrorist group.

Moreover such attack are normally aimed at disturbing communal harmony. The area around the Belur Math is sensitive and such incidents could have easily triggered communal disturbances.

There are inputs to suggest that attempts are being made in several parts of West Bengal to disturb communal harmony and hence the local authorities need to be on their toes at all times, the IB official also noted.

OneIndia News