BJP-backed election candidate among two arrested with nearly 199 kg of explosives in UP

Millat Times Desk

07 November 2026 (Publish: 09:25 AM IST)

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Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested two men and seized nearly 199 kg of gelatin explosives, 100 fuses, seven bundles of red wire and 2.945 kg of powder from a Bolero vehicle in Chitrakoot district.

One of the arrested men, identified as Hari Gopal Mishra alias Bablu Mishra, reportedly contested a Zila Panchayat election with the backing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to an Amar Ujala report published on November 5. 

The seizure was made by Markundi police near Kihuniya village on November 3, during vehicle-checking operations ahead of the festive season. The Bolero was reportedly travelling from Madhya Pradesh when police intercepted it.

The second accused has been identified as Pappu Tiwari. Both men are residents of Bhouri village under the Raipura police station area of Chitrakoot.

During the search, police recovered eight gelatin sticks reportedly weighing around 199 kg, 100 red-coloured fuses, seven bundles of red wire and three packets containing approximately 2.945 kg of powder. The accused allegedly failed to produce valid documents authorising the transportation of the explosive materials.

There are differing accounts regarding the intended use of the seized materials.

According to reports, the accused told investigators that the explosives were being transported from Majhgawan in Madhya Pradesh for digging a well in a rocky area. Police reportedly said the materials were of the type used for breaking rocks in stone quarries.

However, another Amar Ujala report stated that the accused had told police that the materials were intended for making firecrackers.

Investigators are examining the source, destination and intended use of the explosives.

The reported political background of Hari Gopal Mishra has drawn attention following the seizure. According to Amar Ujala, he had contested a Zila Panchayat election with BJP backing.

However, no evidence has so far established the involvement of any BJP leader or the party organisation in the transportation of the explosives.

Police have registered a case against the two accused under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908. The Bolero used to transport the materials has also been seized.

Both men were produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.

Investigators are examining the supply chain, the source of the explosives in Madhya Pradesh, their intended recipients and whether other individuals were involved in the transportation or distribution of the materials.