As another gang of individuals possessing a highly radioactive and toxic substance Californium, worth US$ 100 million in quantity was arrested in India, Pakistan on Tuesday expressed its grave concerns over the reports of recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in the country.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, in response to a question about the arrest of a gang in India with radioactive material, said that 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 (BARC) were also found in Dehradun, she added.

“These recurring incidents call into question the measures taken by New Delhi for the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive material. These incidents also suggest the existence of a black market for sensitive, dual-use materials inside India,” she remarked.

Spokesperson Baloch said that the international community sought an earnest disclosure from the Indian authorities as to how a sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material, like Californium, was in the possession of the 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, the spokesperson added.

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In a major bust, Bihar Police have apprehended three individuals for attempting to smuggle 50 grams of Californium, a rare and highly radioactive substance, worth an estimated INR850 crore in the international market.

The arrest was made in Gopalganj on Thursday evening, with the suspects found in possession of the Californium, four mobile phones, and traveling on a motorcycle.

Gopalganj SP Swarn Prabhat confirmed the seizure, highlighting the significant value of the substance, with each gram estimated at INR17 crore.

The smugglers had reportedly been trying to sell the Californium for several months.

Given the sensitive nature of the radioactive material, authorities have alerted the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) to conduct a thorough investigation. The DAE, India’s central authority for nuclear materials, will play a crucial role in determining the origin of the Californium and ensuring its safe handling.