Explosives found in Red Fort well, safely removed

The security agencies were thrown into a tizzy after several ammunition boxes were found inside a well in the Red Fort. The accidental discovery of the ammunition came into the notice of the Archeological Survey of India during the cleaning of a well behind the publication building. The National security Guards team along with BDS were pressed into action.

On Sunday evening at around 6 pm, when ASI workers were cleaning the well, some of them discovered several ammunition boxes placed deep inside the well. The CISF and the ASI then brought this to the notice of the local police immediately.

"It was revealed that the ASI had been conducting a cleanliness drive and during which ammunition cartridges and boxes containing explosive type material was found." said Jatin Narwal, DCP North. Soon after the cops were informed several senior police officers along with their team rushed to the spot and cordoned off the entire area around the well and the premises.

Immediately, the NSG team and Bomb disposal squad were tipped off and they reached the Red Fort along with all equipment required for such an operation. The NSG commandos were seen rushing to the site along with their equipment and the cops secured the area restricting entry. After a massive operation, the NSG team removed some of the boxes and took them along with them in blast proof vessel for inspection and for defusing at a secured location. Sources say that the boxes contained mortars and cartridges.

Though whether they were still potent enough to cause an explosion would be clear only after through the NSG completes its investigation. "They seem to be old, though it would not be appropriate to comment on their make before the investigation is completed," said a senior police official.