Kolkata: A 1,000-pound aerial bomb dating back to the World War-II era has been unearthed at a dock during routine dredging operations.
The area was cordoned off following the discovery of the bomb and the police, Navy and the Army duly informed, said Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) Chairman Vinit Kumar.
"The 4.5-metre-long aerial bomb, with US army markings, was located during dredging operations at Netaji Subhas Dock berth II. Initially, we thought it was a torpedo, but the Navy has confirmed that it is a US-made bomb," he said.
KoPT Security Adviser Gautam Chakraborti said the port authority may want to preserve the bomb. The explosive is still lying at the dock, he said, adding that the KoPT is trying to expedite the process
of defusing it. Commodore Suprobho K De, naval officer-in-charge, West Bengal, said the bomb does not pose any risk as it has several security locks affixed to it.
"It is a 450-kg aerial bomb fitted with brackets to attach with fighter planes. There seems to be no threat from the bomb as it has locks affixed to it. Also, aerial bombs have to be dropped from a certain height to make an impact," he explained. De said there is not much that the Navy can do about
the device.
"I hope the KoPT will seek help from the Ordinance Factory, which has expertise in making ammunition. If needed, we may contact Vizag naval base for assistance," De said.