Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): A serious security threat was averted on Wednesday when three live mortar shells were found near the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Jammu’s Narwal area, prompting immediate action from the police and bomb disposal experts.
Panic spread in the area after locals noticed the suspicious objects lying close to the RTO premises. The police swiftly cordoned off the location and summoned the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), which safely defused all three shells on the spot.
Traffic in the area was temporarily halted as a precaution, and commuters were redirected until the area was declared safe.
Senior police officials, who visited the site shortly after the discovery, confirmed that the shells were live and could have caused significant destruction if not detected in time. “The timely intervention by alert citizens and our teams helped prevent a possible catastrophe,” said one officer.
An investigation has been launched to determine how the shells came to be in the area and whether they were intentionally placed. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the site, and CCTV footage from surrounding locations is being analysed.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents, who are urging authorities to enhance surveillance and patrolling in the area. “This is a densely populated zone with high daily footfall. The presence of such explosives is deeply unsettling,” said a nearby shopkeeper.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activity without delay.(DD)
