By [Subham Malakar], Special Correspondent
Last Updated: June 24, 2025
Key Takeaways
- What Happened? A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered near a cremation ground in Sherpur, Kathua district, and safely destroyed by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS).
- Why It Matters: The swift action prevented potential civilian casualties and underscored the importance of community vigilance.
- What’s Next: Police investigations into the origin of the device are ongoing, and enhanced security patrolling has been ordered.
“A Crisis Averted”
“Upon inspection, the device was confirmed to be an IED with a 9V battery trigger. Our team executed a controlled detonation without incident,”
— Senior Superintendent of Police Kathua, Ms. Deepika IPS.
In the early hours of June 23, locals near the Shamshan Ghat in Sherpur alerted the Border Security Force and district police after spotting a suspicious polythene-wrapped package. The Special Operations Group (SOG) cordoned the area and summoned the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS). Within an hour, the device was rendered safe and detonated in a controlled blast—preventing any harm to residents or property. daijiworld.com
5 Key Facts
- Discovery Site: Near the cremation ground along Bein Nallah, approximately 2 km from the International Border.
- Device Composition: Housed within a plastic bottle, contained an electric detonator, a Malaysian-origin 9V battery, circuit wiring, and explosive material coated with plaster of Paris. dailyexcelsior.com
- Weight: One device weighed roughly 1 kg; the other about 1.5 kg.
- Action Taken: A controlled detonation was performed on-site with no casualties reported.
- Investigation: A case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is registered; forensic teams continue evidence collection.
Expert Analysis
In an exclusive interview, Col (Retd.) R.K. Gupta, former head of EOD operations at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), emphasized:
“Rapid assessment and community cooperation are critical. Properly trained EOD teams rely on standard operating procedures that minimize risk to civilians and first responders alike.”
This aligns with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ 2023 guidelines on explosive ordnance disposal, which stress inter-agency coordination and regular public advisories.
Timeline of Events
| Time (IST) | Event |
|---|---|
| 05:10 | Villagers spot suspicious package, inform BSF & local police. |
| 05:25 | SOG and BDS teams arrive; area is cordoned. |
| 06:00 | Initial X-ray and visual inspection confirm IED components. |
| 06:20 | Controlled detonation executed; site declared safe by 07:00. |
| 08:30 | Case registered; forensic experts begin evidence processing. |
Daily Digest
- Kathua Security Update: Patrols increased in border villages; community watch hotlines remain active.
- J&K Border News: BSF reports a 15 % uptick in civilian tips leading to threat detections this quarter.
- Regional Advisory: NMCC issues heatwave warnings for Jammu division this week.
Fact-Check
| Claim | Verification |
|---|---|
| “Two civilians injured during blast.” | ❌ No injuries reported by official police communique. |
| “Device contained military-grade TNT.” | ❌ Laboratory analysis confirmed commercial explosive mix. |
| “IED was a recent cross-border infiltration.” | ❌ Investigations ongoing; no evidence yet of cross-border link. |
