On February 25, 2021, the Mumbai Police recovered 20 gelatin sticks from a vehicle parked outside Antilla, the residence of India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani. The NIA is investigating the case and it has arrested Sachin Vaze-an ASI of Mumbai Police.
- Gelatin sticks are cheap explosive materials used by industries for the purpose of mining and construction related work, like building structures, roads, rails and tunnels etc.
- Gelatin sticks cannot be used without a detonator hence these explosives can also be stored properly.
- Only licensed explosive manufacturers can make gelatin sticks.
- The manufacture is regulated by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO), formerly known as Department of Explosives. The PESO comes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- The government has recently introduced a rule that individual explosives should also be barcoded.
- Prior license is required not just to make, but also to sell and buy explosives.
(Source: Indian Express)
