In a significant operation, the Gopalganj police have apprehended three smugglers at the UP-Bihar border, seizing 50 grams of a suspected radioactive substance that could be Californium. If confirmed, the substance’s estimated value in the international market could exceed Rs 850 crore. The operation was carried out at the Balathari check post in the Kuchai Kote police station area.

The seized substance, claimed by the smugglers to be Californium, has raised serious concerns among law enforcement agencies. The three arrested individuals hail from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They were attempting to smuggle the substance across the border when they were intercepted by the police. The authenticity of the substance is now under investigation, with the involvement of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and consultations with IIT Madras. The Atomic Energy Department has also been alerted to examine the material.

Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat revealed that the suspected Californium was reportedly smuggled from Gujarat. The police are currently in contact with the Atomic Energy Department, and a special FSL team has been summoned to handle and examine the radioactive material. If the substance is indeed Californium, this would mark the first such seizure in Bihar. The smugglers had claimed that the substance is Californium and even presented a certificate, which the police are treating with caution. Initial inquiries with a professor from IIT Madras, whose name was on the certificate, have raised doubts about the document’s authenticity.

Smugglers’ Claims and Investigation

The arrested smugglers, who include individuals from both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have been questioned about the origins of the substance. They claimed that the material was sourced from Gujarat and that they were actively seeking buyers for months but had not been successful. This led to the suspicion that a larger criminal network might be behind this smuggling attempt.

Californium is a highly valuable radioactive element, used in nuclear reactors and for treating serious medical conditions like brain cancer. It is also utilized in the production of nuclear energy. The discovery of such a substance in illegal circulation has prompted heightened alertness among security agencies. The police are investigating whether the material was stolen from any nuclear power facility in India, although no such cases have been reported yet.

Gujarat Connection and Police Raids

As the investigation unfolded, a connection to Gujarat emerged, leading the police to conduct raids in the state. The police have identified a person in Uttar Pradesh who supplied the substance, and with the help of the Gujarat Police, they are working to apprehend him. The arrest of this individual could potentially unravel the entire network involved in this illegal trade.

The three arrested smugglers have been identified as Chhotelal Prasad, son of Chandradev Prasad, from Parasouni Buzurg village in Tamkuhi Raj police station area of Kushinagar district, Uttar Pradesh; Chandan Gupta, son of Yogendra Shah, from Kaushalya Chowk, Nagar police station area of Gopalganj; and Chandan Ram, son of Harendra Ram, from Kushahar Mathia village under Mohammadpur police station area in Bihar. They were detained at the check post while attempting to smuggle the substance across state lines.

The investigation is ongoing, with further details expected as the material undergoes extensive testing to confirm its nature. The potential implications of such a substance being in illegal circulation have raised alarms across security and intelligence agencies, who are now actively involved in the case.