Security scare: Explosive material found just 3km from PM Modi's Bengaluru event venue

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Central Range Bengaluru, said that two gelatin sticks were recovered by the police this morning during a security check conducted before the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Bengaluru on Sunday, police discovered two gelatin sticks abandoned on a roadside just 3 km from his event venue. The explosives were detected during a routine security sweep ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to the Art of Living celebrations.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Central Range Bengaluru, said that further investigation is underway in connection with the case. "This morning, before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival, during the checking, two gelatine sticks were found on the side of the footpath, nearly 3 km away from the main venue where PM Modi was scheduled to arrive. Further investigation is underway," he said.

Despite the security concern, Prime Minister Modi visited Bengaluru and attended the 45th anniversary celebrations of The Art of Living Foundation and the 70th birthday celebrations of its founder, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The Art of Living is a global volunteer-based humanitarian and educational organisation active in 182 countries, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. 

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the newly built Dhyan Mandir at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru. The Dhyan Mandir is a meditation hall designed to promote inner peace and holistic well-being. Prime Minister Modi also launched several nationwide service initiatives of The Art of Living during his Bengaluru visit.

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi said he was happy to see the spirit of service reflected in every initiative of The Art of Living. He added that many spiritual movements in India have dedicated themselves to serving humanity.

"Many spiritual movements in India have ultimately expressed themselves through service to humanity. I am happy that this spirit of service is reflected in every effort of The Art of Living," he said.

He further said that clear determination and a spirit of service always lead to positive results.

"Today is Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s 70th birthday. When the centenary celebrations take place, I will come again to join them. Today, this divine and grand Dhyan Mandir has been inaugurated. When the resolve is clear and work is carried out with a spirit of service, every effort brings pleasant results," he said.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and governance initiatives during the event, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said, "You (PM Modi) gave a new identity to the country by raising it from poverty, dirt and disorder. You announced Swachh Bharat Abhiyan as soon as you came to power and made it a clean, beautiful and safe country. You ended the Red Terror and made the country violence-free."

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