Over 7 kg uranium seized in India
Uranium is used in several areas, including nuclear explosives and medical techniques.
NEW DELHI (Web Desk) - Indian police seized over seven kilograms (15.4 pounds) of natural uranium and arrested two men in the western Maharashtra state for “illegally possessing” the highly radioactive substance, Anadolu Agency reported.
According to the anti-terrorism squad in Maharashtra, the confiscated material is worth Indian Rupees 21.30 crores (around $2.9 million) and an investigation into the case is underway.
“We had received information that one person identified as Jigar Pandya was going to illegally sell pieces of Uranium substance, a trap was laid and he was arrested,” the Maharashtra police said.
“Investigation into the case revealed that another person identified as Abu Tahir gave him these pieces of Uranium.”
The police said a huge quantity of substance was recovered when Tahir was apprehended.
A police official told Anadolu Agency on the condition of anonymity that the accused are being questioned to know the source of the seized material and where it would be sent.
Anadolu Agency further reported that it is the second time in India that such a highly radioactive substance has been seized by police in recent years. In 2016, police seized almost 9 kg (19.8 lbs) of depleted uranium in the Thane area of Maharashtra.
Uranium is used in several areas, including nuclear explosives and medical techniques.
