Explosives Handling Protocols in Jammu and Kashmir Police

A tragic explosion at Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir killed nine people and injured 29. The blast occurred during forensic examination of explosives seized in connection with the Red Fort terror module. This incident brought into light critical issues in the handling and storage of explosives by law enforcement agencies in sensitive regions.

Initial Seizure and Immediate Action

When explosives or Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are seized during raids, the enforcement team must immediately involve the Bomb Detection Team (BDT) and Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS). These specialised units assess the material and advise on safe handling. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) may also be informed for destruction procedures.

Storage Protocols for Explosives

Seized explosives must be stored away from people in isolated, non-electrified locations to prevent accidental ignition. If no such place is available, open areas like stadiums may be used temporarily. Licensed explosive magazines with safety measures exist in various districts for secure storage. Police stations and residential areas are not suitable unless designated for explosives storage.

Handling Hazardous Components

Certain chemicals in explosives are highly reactive. For example, sodium ignites upon exposure to air, and phosphorus, used in grenades, must be stored under water. These materials require immediate attention and specialised handling to prevent accidents.

Personnel and Expertise Deployment

Trained explosive-handling personnel from BDS and BDT must be deployed promptly to assess, neutralise, and manage seized explosives. Their expertise is crucial to ensure safety during examination, transport, and destruction.

Chain of Custody and Legal Procedures

The officer in charge must move seized explosives to a safe location immediately. An FIR must be registered without delay, and the case referred to the Judicial Magistrate who grants permission for destruction. Throughout, explosives should be stored securely under constant monitoring to maintain chain of custody and prevent misuse.

Transportation of Explosives

Specialised explosive vans are designed for safe transport. These vehicles have interiors lined with wood and aluminium exteriors to conduct electric charges safely to the ground. They also contain blasts to minimise damage if an explosion occurs. Though common in military and commercial use, such vans are not always available to district police forces. Regions like Jammu and Kashmir require ready access to these vehicles to enhance safety.

Safety Gaps and Recommendations

The Nowgam incident telld the dangers of storing large quantities of explosives in police stations without proper infrastructure. There is a critical need for designated storage facilities, trained personnel, and adequate transport vehicles in conflict-prone areas. Strict adherence to protocols and enhanced coordination with PESO and specialised units are essential for preventing future tragedies.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the role of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) in regulating explosive materials in India and its importance for internal security.
2. Analyse the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in handling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during counter-terrorism operations and suggest improvements.
3. Examine the significance of chain of custody in forensic investigations involving explosives and its impact on judicial outcomes.
4. Estimate the impact of inadequate infrastructure and training on disaster management and emergency response in conflict-prone regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the role of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) in regulating explosive materials in India and its importance for internal security.

1. PESO regulates manufacture, storage, transport, and use of explosives to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
2. It licenses explosive magazines and enforces strict safety protocols to minimize risks in civilian and official handling.
3. PESO coordinates with law enforcement for destruction of seized explosives, ensuring safe disposal.
4. Its role is crucial in preventing misuse of explosives by terrorists, thereby strengthening internal security.
5. By setting standards and monitoring compliance, PESO reduces accidental detonations and safeguards public infrastructure.
6. PESO’s involvement ensures professional handling, reducing chances of mishandling during raids and investigations.

2. Analyse the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in handling Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) during counter-terrorism operations and suggest improvements.

1. 1. IEDs are unpredictable, often unstable, and can detonate accidentally during handling or transport.

<li)Lack of specialised explosive vans and secure storage facilities hampers safe movement and containment.

• Insufficient trained bomb disposal personnel delays assessment and neutralisation efforts.
• Inadequate coordination with specialised agencies like BDT, BDS, and PESO leads to procedural lapses.
• Improvement areas – enhanced training, dedicated infrastructure, ready availability of explosive vans, and strict adherence to protocols.
• Integration of advanced detection technology and real-time intelligence sharing can improve operational safety.

3. Examine the significance of chain of custody in forensic investigations involving explosives and its impact on judicial outcomes.

1. Chain of custody ensures integrity and authenticity of evidence from seizure to courtroom presentation.
2. Proper documentation (FIR, judicial permission) prevents tampering or loss of explosive material evidence.
3. Maintaining secure, monitored storage protects evidence from contamination or accidental damage.
4. Breaks in custody can lead to evidence being declared inadmissible, weakening prosecution cases.
5. Clear custody trail strengthens judicial confidence and supports conviction in terror-related cases.
6. It also facilitates timely destruction of explosives post-investigation, ensuring public safety.

4. Estimate the impact of inadequate infrastructure and training on disaster management and emergency response in conflict-prone regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Insufficient storage facilities increase risk of accidental explosions in sensitive areas like police stations.
2. Lack of trained explosive-handling personnel delays neutralisation and increases casualties during incidents.
3. Absence of specialised transport vehicles complicates safe movement of hazardous materials.
4. Inadequate infrastructure strains emergency response, causing higher fatalities and injuries.
5. Improved infrastructure and training enhance preparedness, reduce accidents, and build public trust.
6. Investment in facilities and capacity building is vital for effective disaster management in conflict zones.