Yogi govt says suspected substance was PETN, denies sending sample to Agra lab

The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday refuted claims of FSL Agra that the substance detected in UP Assembly hall is not PETN. The government clarified that no sample sent to FSL Agra as they don’t have machines to conduct tests.

The principal secretary said that the factual position is that SFSL Lucknow in its report has found the substance as water insoluble.

"Different reagents confirm presence of a nitrate and preliminary test conducted using explosive detection kit tested positive for PETN. Two confirmatory tests being conducted at SFSL Lucknow - Infrared Spectrum, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum. The report is likely to come by Thursday," said the principal secretary.

Earlier on July 15, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath informed that 150 gram PETN was found in assembly.  He said the nature of the explosive was so powerful that 500 gram of PETN can blow the state assembly.

The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad on Friday conducted an extensive security check-up of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly after a powerful explosive PETN found under the seat of Leader of Opposition (LoP).

The UP ATS said that a media report possibly mentioned of a packet with magnesium sulphate which ATS has seized it and it will be sent for test if need be.