Pakistan shocked at recurring theft of nuclear material in India

ISLAMABAD: After another Indian gang was arrested with radioactive material, Pakistan on Tuesday reached out to the international community to seek an earnest disclosure from the Indian authorities as to how a sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material, like californium, was in the possession of apprehended individuals.

“It is dangerous for such sensitive material in India to be routinely found in the wrong hands. Pakistan reiterates its call for a thorough investigation of these incidents and for adequate measures to prevent their recurrence. Pakistan is gravely concerned at the reports of recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India,” said the Foreign Office when asked about the arrest.

Indian media noted that Bihar Police arrested a three-member smuggling gang Friday and confiscated from them 50gm of a radioactive and toxic substance called “californium” that has uses ranging from nuclear power plants to cancer treatment and is estimated to be worth Rs850 crore, or Rs17 crore a gram.

“In the latest incident, a gang of individuals were found in illegal possession of a highly radioactive and toxic substance californium, worth US$100 million in quantity. Three incidents of theft of californium were also reported in 2021. Last month, five individuals with a radioactive device reportedly stolen from Bhabha Atomic Research Center were also found from Dehradun,” added the Foreign Office.