Hapur (Uttar Pradesh): In a major security operation following the Delhi Red Fort blast, Hapur Police have arrested three men found in possession of large quantities of dangerous chemicals, including 38 kilograms of hydrofluoric acid and 1 kilogram of sulphur powder. The arrests have triggered a wave of concern across Western Uttar Pradesh as national security agencies remain on high alert.
According to police reports, the arrests were made in the Pilkhua area of Hapur early Wednesday morning. Around 2:30 AM, a police patrol team noticed two men behaving suspiciously near RKG School. Upon being challenged, the duo attempted to flee but were caught after a brief chase. A search of their bags revealed a strong-smelling yellow powder, which was later confirmed to be sulphur (gandhak).
The arrested suspects, identified as Shobhit Kumar and Vijendra Singh, both residents of Kapsa Kala village in Sitapur district, claimed that they had procured the sulphur from Hisar, Haryana. They alleged it was meant for creating sound explosions to scare away stray animals from farmland. However, police found no valid license or permit for carrying or using explosive materials. A total of 1.5 kg of sulphur from Shobhit and 1 kg from Vijendra was seized, and an FIR under the Explosives Act has been registered against them.
In a separate raid, another man identified as Shoaib, a resident of Umri Kala, Moradabad, was arrested near the Hindalpur Bamba bridge. He was caught with a container carrying 38 kg of hydrofluoric acid, a highly corrosive and toxic chemical. During interrogation, Shoaib admitted that he had recently purchased the acid and was waiting for a vehicle to transport it further. The chemical has since been sealed and sent for forensic testing.
Police officials confirmed that this recovery comes amid heightened vigilance following the Delhi blast incident, as intelligence agencies have long been tracking terrorist links in Western Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Hapur district — home to bomb expert Abdul Karim alias Tunta.
Hapur SP Gyananjay Singh has ordered tightened border security, enhanced night patrolling, and close monitoring of chemical suppliers and dealers in the area. Authorities are now investigating whether these materials were genuinely meant for agricultural use or part of a larger terror-related conspiracy.
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