Patna, June 24 (IANS) The recovery of five crude bombs from a grocery shop in Bihar’s Katihar district has triggered panic among residents and prompted heightened security measures in the area ahead of Muharram.

The incident took place in Madhura village under the Kolasi police outpost area of Kodha police station.

According to police, the suspected crude bombs were found inside a cold drink crate kept on the veranda of a grocery store.

Local residents said several crates of soft drinks had been placed outside the shop. During routine activities, villagers noticed five suspicious objects wrapped in black polythene inside one of the crates.

The discovery created panic in the village, prompting the police to be immediately informed. Personnel from Kodha police station, along with administrative officials, reached the spot and cordoned off the area. The five suspected crude bombs were safely seized.

Considering the seriousness of the incident, officials summoned a forensic team and a bomb disposal squad to examine the recovered objects. The experts will determine the nature of the explosive material.

Police officials stated that the exact motive and potential threat posed by the devices will become clear only after technical examination and forensic analysis.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer Sunil Kumar Sharma said preliminary investigations indicate that the shopkeeper had an ongoing dispute with certain individuals. Investigators are examining the possibility that the bombs were planted due to personal enmity, either to intimidate the shopkeeper or to falsely implicate him.

Police teams are questioning local residents and gathering information about individuals who have recently visited the area. They are also trying to determine when the bombs were placed in the crates and who may have been responsible.

Local villagers expressed concern about the incident, especially as Muharram approached. They urged the administration to conduct a thorough investigation and identify those responsible.

The police have assured residents that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly examined.

–IANS

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