In a recent discovery, workers in Bhulanpur village, Jhargram, stumbled upon a large cylindrical object suspected to be a Japanese bomb from World War II while conducting routine digging on June 29. The find attracted immediate attention, leading to confirmation by officials at the Gopiballavpur police station.
Evacuation and Safety Measures Once the bomb's historical significance was confirmed, local police collaborated with a specialized Air Force unit to safely dispose of it. Residents within a 1-kilometer radius were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The operation involved deploying a substantial police presence and strategically placing 5,000 sandbags to minimize potential risks. Additionally, a Domestic Fire Tender (DFT) and heavy machinery such as a JCB were on standby to support the disposal efforts.
"We could only see smoke and hear a loud blast," said a disappointed local villager who missed witnessing the historical event firsthand.
Government Response and Acknowledgment Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee acknowledged the incident via social media, praising the swift response of state authorities and the Air Force. In her statement, posted on X, she commended the coordinated efforts that led to the safe handling and successful defusing of the wartime relic.
"Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee posted on X: 'Yesterday, it came to our notice that an undetonated bomb of World War II was found in an open field in village Bhulanpur, Gopiballavpur in Jhargram district. State government machinery including police and also air force immediately swung into action. Public from nearby areas were shifted to safe & secure place. Thereafter it was safely and successfully diffused. I thank everyone involved for the good work done.'"
Historical Significance and Context This incident highlights a recurring issue in the region. In 2018, another World War II-era bomb weighing 1000 pounds was discovered at Netaji Subhas dock. These discoveries underscore the historical ties and potential risks associated with unexploded ordnance in West Bengal, reflecting the area's deep connection to wartime history.
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