Lucknow sources have stated that Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, yesterday called for an investigation by the country's top anti-terror agency NIA after white powder later identified as an explosive was found in the state assembly. It was stated that before the state assembly began its sitting this morning, the Chief Minister held a meeting of top officials to discuss the security breach.
Meanwhile the UP house endorsed his call for an NIA or National Investigation Agency probe. About 60 grams of the suspicious powder was found on one of the benches in the assembly on Wednesday and sent for forensic testing. Last night, the forensic laboratory said the powder was a plastic explosive, PTEN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate).
Yogi Adityanath also urged a series of
security measures for the country's largest assembly, which included a ban on
mobile phones in the house. Moreover during proceedings, lawmakers should keep
mobiles on silent mode as the noise breaks the gravity of discussions. People
should get their notebooks and jot down points. There should be an arrangement
where bags and mobile phones are kept outside the house.