Modi rule sees rise in incidents of radioactive material falling into civilian hands in India

Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is under intense scrutiny following the arrest of three individuals in Bihar’s Gopalganj district, who were found in possession of 50 grams of a suspected radioactive substance, Californium, worth millions in Indian currency.

This incident has further highlighted concerns over India’s nuclear security under the current administration.

The arrests took place near the Balthari checkpost during a joint operation by the Kuchaikot police station, divisional intelligence unit, and special task force.

The suspects, identified as Chhotelal Prasad from Kushinagar (Uttar Pradesh) and Chandan Gupta and Chandan Ram from Gopalganj, were allegedly smuggling the substance from Gujarat.

The material has been sent for forensic analysis, and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has been notified.

The Modi government is facing renewed criticism over its handling of nuclear security, as this incident is not an isolated case.

Over the past few years, there have been multiple incidents of theft and illegal sale of nuclear and radioactive materials in India, raising alarms about the adequacy of the country’s nuclear security measures.

In May 2021, the seizure of 7 kilograms of highly radioactive uranium from a scrap dealer sparked widespread concern about the government's ability to safeguard such dangerous materials.

These recurring incidents, coupled with reports of over 200 kilograms of nuclear and radioactive materials disappearing from Indian facilities over the past two decades, have exposed significant weaknesses in the nation’s nuclear security infrastructure.

Critics have pointed out that the current administration has failed to implement the necessary reforms to ensure robust nuclear security.

The lack of an independent nuclear regulatory body has been a central issue, with the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) operating under the Department of Atomic Energy, which limits its autonomy and effectiveness.

International bodies, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have repeatedly recommended that India establish an independent regulatory authority to oversee nuclear safety and security.

However, progress has been slow, and the Modi government has been criticised for not prioritising this critical area of national security.

As the investigation into the Bihar incident continues, the Modi government is facing growing pressure to address these security lapses and to ensure that nuclear and radioactive materials are properly secured.

The safety of these materials is a national responsibility, and the potential consequences of any failure in this area could have severe implications, not only for India but for the entire region.