Large Cache of Explosives Discovered Near Uttarakhand School Raises Security Concerns

Almora, Uttarakhand | Nov 23, 2025 A significant quantity of dangerous gelatin-based explosives was discovered near a school in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, triggering a major police response and heightened security in the region. The incident came to light when the principal of the Government High Secondary School in Dabara village, Subhash Singh, noticed some suspicious packets lying in the bushes close to the school campus. His quick alert to the authorities set off an immediate chain of action. Police teams rushed to the spot and secured the area to ensure the safety of students and residents. Soon after, bomb disposal experts and dog squads arrived from Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital to carefully investigate the surroundings. Their detailed search using canine units led them to multiple packets of explosives hidden among the bushes. Some packets were found together, while others were located roughly twenty feet away, indicating that they may have been placed there deliberately. In total, officials recovered 161 gelatin sticks weighing over 20 kilograms. These sticks are highly explosive and often used in blasting operations for construction or mining. However, finding them so close to a school raised immediate concerns about why they were brought to this remote area and who was responsible for leaving them there. The discovery also comes at a tense time for the country, following a major blast in Delhi and a vast seizure of nearly 3,000 kilograms of explosives in Haryana just days earlier. Security agencies nationwide have been on high alert, with intelligence inputs hinting at possible plans by certain groups to carry out coordinated attacks in key cities. Senior Superintendent of Police Devendra Pincha confirmed the recovery and stated that the bomb squad sealed the explosive packets and secured them safely. He added that the police also conducted searches in nearby areas to ensure no additional material was hidden elsewhere. A case has been filed against unidentified individuals under relevant sections of the Explosive Substances Act of 1908 and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The reasons behind bringing these explosives to the village remain unclear, and authorities are actively investigating all possible angles, including whether the material was being stored temporarily or intended for a larger operation. To speed up the investigation, four specialised police teams have been formed to trace where the explosives originated from and who transported them to the site. The police are also examining whether the incident has any link to the recent Delhi blast or the large-scale explosives seized in Haryana. With the country already on edge due to recent terror-related developments, the Almora discovery has added to the urgency of strengthening surveillance and ensuring the safety of vulnerable locations such as schools. Residents of the area have expressed concern but also relief that the explosives were found before any harm occurred. The timely action of the school principal and the prompt response by the police prevented what could potentially have been a serious threat. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and are urging people to stay alert and report anything unusual to help maintain safety across the region. Large Cache of Explosives Discovered Near Uttarakhand School Raises Security Concerns A major security scare unfolded in Almora after a large cache of gelatin sticks was found dangerously close to a school. What began as a routine day turned tense when the school principal noticed suspicious packets hidden in the bushes near the campus. His alertness brought police teams rushing in, followed by bomb disposal experts and dog squads who carried out an extensive search through the area. The discovery of 161 gelatin sticks, weighing over 20 kilograms, has raised urgent questions about who placed them there and for what purpose. The explosives were safely collected and sealed by the bomb squad, while police registered a case and intensified investigations. This incident comes at a time when security agencies across the country are already on edge after recent blasts and massive explosive seizures in other states. Four specialised teams are now working to trace the source of the materials and determine any possible links to larger networks. The incident has heightened concern among residents, but the quick response prevented a potentially dangerous situation. Authorities are urging citizens to stay vigilant and report anything unusual as investigations continue.