Gelatin Sticks On PM Modi's Visit Route Not Assassination Bid? Here's What Intel Sources Say

Last Updated:May 11, 2026, 13:31 IST

Sources said one of the key lines of inquiry revolves around an ongoing land dispute involving locals and the Art of Living foundation in the region.

Even as the recovery of gelatin sticks near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit route on the outskirts of Bengaluru triggered a major security alert, top intelligence sources hav told CNN-News18 that there is “no specific credible intelligence indicating a direct assassination attempt on PM Modi so far".

According to sources, the recovery is being treated with utmost seriousness because of the timing and the location of the explosives near the Prime Minister’s movement route. However, sources said preliminary assessments suggest the incident may have been aimed more at creating panic, embarrassment and disruption during the high-profile visit rather than causing direct physical harm to the Prime Minister.

“The timing and location near the PM’s visit route warrants high vigilance," a top intelligence source said, adding that all possible angles are currently under investigation.

Sources said one of the key lines of inquiry revolves around an ongoing land dispute involving locals and the Art of Living foundation in the region. Investigators suspect the incident could have been “symbolic" in nature, intended to draw national attention to local grievances during the Prime Minister’s visit.

“This is also possibly linked to resentment over the land dispute between some locals and the Art of Living. We are working on all directions and looking at the real threat perception behind the act," intelligence sources said.

Officials further pointed out that gelatin sticks are not uncommon in the area due to ongoing mining and quarrying activity. This has made the investigation more complex, as agencies are trying to determine whether the recovered material was sourced locally and planted deliberately to trigger alarm. “Such gelatin sticks are commonly found in mining belts here. The challenge is to establish intent, ownership and whether there was a coordinated plan," sources said.

Intelligence agencies also believe anti-social elements or fringe groups could have attempted to exploit local tensions to create a law-and-order situation during the Prime Minister’s programme.

“Local resentment over the land dispute could have been exploited by fringe elements to create disturbances. At this stage, these appear more like low-intensity incidents aimed at embarrassing the administration rather than causing physical harm to the dignitary," a source said.

Following the recovery, security agencies launched an intensified sanitisation and surveillance operation across the entire route. Officials confirmed that the Prime Minister’s route had already been fully secured before movement.

“Drone surveillance, intensified local informer coverage and additional ground verification measures have been activated," intelligence sources said, while stressing that there was no compromise in the Prime Minister’s security grid.

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