Bahraich Security Breach: Explosives Used Without Intimation Ahead of CM Yogi Adityanath’s Visit
Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh | June 09, 2025 — Just 48 hours before Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s scheduled visit to Bahraich, a major security breach has come to light involving unauthorized use of explosives by a central government-authorized drilling firm. Alpha Geo India Limited, tasked with surveying for oil and gas reserves, reportedly used ammonium nitrate-based explosives without informing local authorities—sparking panic in several villages and drawing sharp criticism from local leaders.
Explosive Operations Trigger Panic
According to Bahraich Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Alok Prasad, Alpha Geo India Limited had been authorized by the Union Petroleum Ministry to carry out drilling operations across multiple villages in the region. However, the firm failed to notify the local administration or law enforcement before commencing operations using ammonium nitrate, a regulated explosive compound.
“Although the company had prior permission, they did not follow standard operating procedures, including informing us before initiating such sensitive work,” SDM Prasad told PTI.
The oversight led to widespread panic among villagers, who were startled by loud explosions and unfamiliar activities in their vicinity. Police and district officials rushed to the site after receiving distress calls from the public.
200 Workers, Mostly Outsiders, Escorted to Safety
The situation was further inflamed by the presence of nearly 200 employees, many of whom hailed from West Bengal and reportedly faced communication barriers with the local population. Fearing a breakdown of law and order, authorities relocated all on-ground personnel to Hardi Police Station for their safety.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Durga Prasad Tiwari confirmed that the company had drilled up to 30 metres underground using explosives without any prior warning to villagers.
“Today, around 50 to 60 field workers were brought in for questioning. No detentions have been made yet. Further action will follow based on the investigation,” he added.
Political Outcry: BJP MLA Demands CM’s Visit Be Cancelled
Raising the alarm, Mahsi BJP MLA Surveshvar Singh labeled the incident a “serious security lapse”, particularly concerning given the upcoming high-profile visit of CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, June 11. The Chief Minister is expected to attend a commemorative event for Maharaja Suheldev, which may also be joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to reports.
Singh expressed grave concern about the presence of 500 kg of explosives and hundreds of non-local workers in the region amid a recent intelligence alert about possible infiltration of 47 suspected terrorists across the Indo-Nepal border.
“This is a major threat to the CM’s security. I’ve spoken to the Principal Secretary (Home) and urged the state to cancel the Chief Minister’s visit until the matter is resolved,” Singh said.
Company Admits Lapse, Cites Miscommunication
Responding to the controversy, Kuldeep Sharma, a representative of Alpha Geo India Limited, acknowledged the procedural failure.
“We had informed relevant authorities in February. However, we should have issued a fresh notice before using explosives. Since it was Sunday, we went ahead with the drilling. That was a mistake,” Sharma admitted.
The company now faces mounting scrutiny from both the public and the government, with questions raised about its compliance with safety and security protocols in sensitive zones.