Jharkhand: Army defuses 227-kg World War II-era bomb in controlled operation

Baharagora — The Indian Army on Wednesday safely defused a 227-kg bomb dating back to World War II that was recovered from the Subarnarekha River in Baharagora, located in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district.

The explosive, believed to have been dropped during World War II, remained buried under layers of river sand for decades. It surfaced during sand excavation five to six days ago, sparking panic among residents and prompting immediate action by authorities. Concern grew further after photos of youths posing with the missile-like object went viral on social media.

The administration called in a specialised Army team led by Lieutenant Colonel Dharmendra Singh and Captain Ayush Kumar Singh. After assessing the device and surrounding terrain, the team began preparations for safe disposal following standard protocols.

A 10-foot-deep pit was dug using heavy machinery, and hundreds of sandbags were placed to create a protective barrier. Authorities also cordoned off a 1.5-km radius around the site and evacuated nearby residents as a precaution. Police, Jharkhand Jaguar personnel, fire services and health officials were deployed, while ambulances remained on standby. 

In the final phase, the Army’s bomb disposal squad carried out a controlled blast, successfully neutralising the device without any casualties or damage. Experts warned that even decades-old unexploded ordnance can remain highly volatile and dangerous if disturbed.

Officials also confirmed that another similar bomb found in a nearby village — reportedly brought home by locals after discovery in the river — was safely defused.

For over a week, fear had gripped villages along the Subarnarekha River, disrupting daily life and livestock movement. With the successful operation, normalcy is gradually returning and residents have expressed relief.

With inputs from IANS