Hyderabad: Picric acid, which is used in the pharmaceutical industry, is now widely used by terror suspects, say intelligence agencies. Telangana police wants it to be strictly regulated to stop pilferage.
Terror modules of various organisations like the Indian Mujahideen have been using picric acid as it is available easily in Hyderabad. Suppliers were ready to sell picric acid to this reporter when he made enquiries.
The National Investigation Agency, in its charge sheets filed in a local court against Indian Mujahideen suspects in the Dilsukhnagar twin blasts case had mentioned that terror suspects were discussing using picric acid for making bombs.
The NIA charge sheet states, “Ahmed Siddibapa asked Riyaz Bhatkal to try picric acid for making bombs. But Riyaz said that he was trying for the basic explosive generally used since it was effective. Siddibapa told them to go for picric acid as gelatin was difficult to procure and also got spoilt with time.”
A senior IPS official said, “There is a need for strong regulation of picric acid sales. Industries department should act proactively like the PESO that which controls the sales of explosives like gelatin.”
Telangana Pharmacist Association president Sanjay Reddy said, “Picric acid is a chemical used by bulk drug manufacturers and its sales are regulated by the chemicals industry. The people who produce them are listed with them.”
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