India’s nuclear security has been left exposed after Indian police seized 7 kilograms (15.4 lbs) of highly radioactive Uranium in Indian state of Maharashtra.
As per details, the illegal smuggling of highly radioactive Uranium was botched by a raid conducted by Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) after it received intelligence tip-off that an individual named Jigar Pandya was looking to sell the highly radioactive material.
A case has been registered after Mumbai’s Bhabha Atomic Research Center confirmed that the seized material was in fact highly radioactive Uranium.
It is pertinent to know that this is the second time Indian authorities have seized illegal highly enriched Uranium. In 2016, Indian police seized an alarming 9 kilograms of depleted Uranium (DU).
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
Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over seizure of 7 kilogram of highly radioactive and dangerous Uranium in India.
Security of nuclear materials should be the top priority for all countries. There is a need for thorough investigation of the matter as to how such sizeable quantity of uranium could become available outside any state control and identify the gaps which made this possible, read the MoFA press-release.
It is extremely dangerous for large quantities of uranium to be exported from the general public in India. The international community, including the IAEA, should take note. @iaeaorg
— Muhammed Faisal (@Intl_Mediatior) May 8, 2021
For years India has exploited Pakistan's nuclear proliferation image but not once has there been any incident reported about the leakage. The incident of over 7 kg natural uranium worth ₹21.30 crore being seized from Maharashtra cannot be swept under the carpet. Like India..
— Fidato (@tequieremos) May 7, 2021
It is to be noted that Uranium Isotope Uranium isotope ‘Uranium -235’ is the primary element used in nuclear power plants and most alarmingly in the preparation of nuclear weapons.
