An improvised explosive device (IED) was found at Umsning market in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district and was safely defused, police said on Sunday. An abandoned bag containing suspected explosives was detected in a compound located in front of Meghalaya Rural Bank in the market on Saturday evening, Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh said. A bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) and a K-9 team were requisitioned and, upon examination, they confirmed the presence of explosives.
A bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS), along with a K-9 team, were immediately deployed to the site. The IED was successfully neutralised without any damage or casualties. “On analysis, it was found that the IED was made using 4.7 kg of gelatine, 10 detonators, and around 50 iron rod pieces as splinters,” Singh said. The materials were seized following standard procedures, and all safety measures were observed during the operation, he added.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation. One suspect has been identified, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest him. Authorities praised the swift response of the BDDS team, noting that their timely action prevented a possible disaster in the busy market area.