Pakistan demands probe into 7kg uranium seized in India

The Foreign Office on Saturday said that Pakistan has noted with serious concern reports about seizure of more than seven kilograms of natural uranium from unauthorised persons in India, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A Foreign Office spokesperson said, “Security of nuclear materials should be the top priority for all countries, and there is a need for thorough investigation of the matter.”

We have noted with serious concern reports about seizure of more than 7 Kg natural uranium from unauthorised persons in #India. Security of nuclear materials should be the top priority for all countries, and there is a need for thorough investigation of the matter.

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 8, 2021

The Nagpada unit of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) had apprehended a 27-year-old Thane resident, Jigar Pandya in this regard. 

International media quoting Maharashtra police reported, “We had received information that one person identified as Jigar Pandya was going to illegally sell pieces of uranium substance, a trap was laid and he was arrested.” 

The Maharashtra ATS has seized over 7 kg of natural uranium worth about ₹21.30 crore (Indian rupees) and arrested two persons in this connection, an Indian official said.

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The substance is "highly radioactive and dangerous to human life", the ATS official said, quoting a report of an analysis conducted by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre BARC.

The two accused were on Wednesday produced before a local court which remanded them in the custody of the ATS till May 12, the official said.

Reporter Zeeshan Bhatti