After explosive powder found in UP assembly, CM Yogi calls for NIA probe

A high-level meeting was called by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday after 60 grams of suspicious white powder was found in the state assembly. The powder was found to be Pentaerythritol tetranitrate or PETN, a chemical used in explosives.

Speaking in the Assembly on Friday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called for an NIA investigation.

"PETN explosive was found and action must be taken against those involved. NIA must investigate this...Security guidelines must be issued and everyone must follow them," CM Adityanath told the assembly after the meeting.

"Strong security system must be established as this could be a terror conspiracy," he added.

PETN is a major ingredient of Semtex and belongs to the same chemical family as nitroglycerin. It is one of the most powerful explosives made today and is a favourite among terrorists because its colourless crystals are hard to detect in a sealed container.

The suspicious powder, which was found on Thrusday, was sent to the forensic lab for testing, reported ANI.

"Everyone needs to be cautious related to security matters. Police verification needs to be done for workers in assembly," the CM further said.

The incident raises questions on the security of the state assembly.

OneIndia News