PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 20: Panic gripped East Singhbhum after an unexploded 500-pound US bomb was found buried under sand along the Subarnarekha riverbank in the Panipara–Nagudsaai area of Baharagora block on Thursday.
Local villagers first noticed the object and alerted authorities. On inspection, the device—about the size of a gas cylinder—bore markings reading “AN-M64 500 lb… American… unexploded,” indicating it is a US-made aerial bomb weighing around 227 kg.
Police Issue Warning
Baharagora police station in-charge Shankar Prasad Kushwaha said senior officials, including the Rural Superintendent of Police, have been informed. Residents have been warned to stay away and not interfere.
The administration has sought help from Kalaikunda Air Force Station, while a bomb disposal squad from Ranchi has been deployed. The area has been sealed, and movement restricted as a precaution.
Link to Old Aircraft Crash Suspected
Preliminary reports suggest the bomb may be linked to a past military aircraft crash near Mahuldangri. It is believed the explosive fell into the river and remained buried over time.
Authorities are treating the situation as highly sensitive due to the bomb’s size and potential impact. Security has been tightened until the device is safely neutralised.