ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan has expressed grave concerns over incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India, and reiterated its call for a thorough investigation of these incidents.
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 (BARC) were also found from Dehradun.
“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 Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said on Tuesday in response to a question about Pakistan’s reaction to the arrest of a gang in India with radioactive material.
The Spokesperson said that these recurring incidents call into question the measures taken by New Delhi for the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive material. She added that these incidents also suggest the existence of a black market for sensitive, dual use materials inside India.
Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that the international community seeks 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,” she said.
