Gelatin Sticks Found Near PM Modi's Convoy Route in Bengaluru

Police in Bengaluru recovered a packet containing two gelatin sticks near Vaderahalli Gate, close to the Art of Living Ashram, at approximately 10:30 a.m. on May 10, 2026, about 30 minutes before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy passed through on his way to a function. The discovery was made by an anti-sabotage team during a routine area domination exercise, prompting immediate security alerts.

A man identified as Lohith, 40, was detained in Koramangala after he called the police control room at 7:30 a.m. threatening explosions near HAL Airport and the Ashram during the Prime Minister’s visit. While no explosives were found near HAL Airport, where Modi landed from Delhi, investigators have not confirmed a link between Lohith and the abandoned gelatin sticks, with sources indicating he may not have visited the location.

Authorities said Lohith has a history of making hoax threats during previous VVIP visits and exhibited signs of mental instability during interrogation, making unsubstantiated claims about working for intelligence agencies and historical entities. Police have registered a case under the Explosives Act, 1884, at Kaggalipura, and six special teams from Bengaluru South Police are probing how the gelatin sticks were placed along the secure route.

Deputy Inspector General S. Girish stated the timely discovery during the anti-sabotage check prevented any potential threat and emphasized that the incident did not constitute a security lapse. The investigation into the origin of the gelatin sticks and the suspect's possible accomplices continues.

The Kaggalipura Police will file a detailed report, and the court hearing in the case is expected to resume on May 13, 2026.