An unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in an open field in the Jhargram district, prompting swift action from authorities to ensure public safety. The successful defusal operation was announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday.
Initial Discovery and Alert
The bomb was found on Thursday by villagers in an agricultural field near the banks of the Subarnarekha River in Bhulanpur village, close to Gopiballabhpur. Initially, the villagers were uncertain about the nature of the object. Once the police were informed, district officials and law enforcement promptly identified it as an unexploded World War II bomb.
Government Response and Safety Measures
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared details of the operation on X, highlighting the collaboration between state government machinery and the Indian Air Force (IAF). The authorities acted swiftly to secure the area and ensure the safety of residents.
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Evacuation: Residents from nearby areas were relocated to safe and secure locations to prevent any casualties in case of accidental detonation.
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Safety Precautions: The area around the bomb was cordoned off, and sandbags were used to minimize the impact of any potential explosion.
Successful Defusal Operation
The operation was conducted meticulously, ensuring no harm came to the public or the personnel involved. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude towards everyone who contributed to the successful defusal of the bomb.
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Collaboration with IAF: The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in the defusal process, bringing in expertise and resources necessary for handling such hazardous materials.
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Public Safety: Thousands of villagers had gathered to witness the operation, but strict safety measures were in place to keep them at a safe distance.
Yesterday it came to our notice that an undetonated bomb of World War II was found in an open field in village Bhulanpur, Gopiballavpur in Jhargram district.
State government machinery including police and also airforce immediately swung into action. Public from nearby area… pic.twitter.com/Cva66ydlMQ— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 5, 2024
Official Statements
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee praised the coordinated efforts of the state government, police, and the IAF. She conveyed her appreciation through a post on X, acknowledging the efficient and safe execution of the operation.
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Chief Minister’s Statement: “Yesterday, we were alerted about an unexploded WW-II bomb found in an open field at Bhulanpur village in Jhargram district. The state government, including the police and the IAF, immediately took action. Residents of nearby areas were moved to a safe and secure place before conducting the operation. Subsequently, the bomb was safely and successfully defused. I thank everyone involved for the good work done,” she said.
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Local Authorities: Parvez Sarfaraz, the Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Gopiballabhpur, emphasized the importance of the safety measures taken, ensuring that the bomb was defused without incident.
The discovery and defusal of the World War II bomb in Jhargram highlight the importance of coordinated efforts between local authorities and specialized forces such as the Indian Air Force. The successful operation ensured the safety of the local population and showcased the effectiveness of emergency response protocols in West Bengal.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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