The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan has voiced significant concern over what it describes as “recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale” of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India. The statement was made following recent reports of illegal possession of radioactive substances in the Indian state of Bihar.
According to the Times of India (TOI), three individuals were arrested in Bihar for unlawfully possessing 50 grams of radioactive californium, a substance valued at approximately 8.5 billion Indian rupees. This development follows previous concerns raised by Pakistan regarding similar incidents.
FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized the seriousness of these occurrences in a recent press release. “Pakistan is gravely concerned at the reports of recurring incidents of theft and illicit sale of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India,” Baloch stated. The spokesperson highlighted that the most recent incident involved a gang in possession of californium, a highly radioactive and toxic material valued at US$100 million.
Baloch pointed out that such incidents are not isolated. In 2021, India reported three separate cases of stolen radioactive material within a span of just four months. Furthermore, last month, five individuals were arrested in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, for having a radioactive device stolen from the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).
“These recurring incidents call into question the measures taken by New Delhi for the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive material,” Baloch asserted. She added that these incidents suggest the presence of a black market for sensitive materials within India.
Pakistan has called for transparency from Indian authorities regarding the handling of radioactive substances. “The international community seeks an earnest disclosure from the Indian authorities as to how a sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material, like californium, ended up in the possession of the apprehended individuals,” the press release emphasized.
The FO criticized the apparent ease with which such sensitive materials are accessed illegally, describing it as “dangerous.” Pakistan has reiterated its call for a comprehensive investigation into these incidents and urged for stronger measures to prevent future occurrences.
Californium, a restricted radioactive substance, is primarily used in nuclear power plants, portable metal detectors, and cancer treatment. Its sale and purchase are prohibited in India, underscoring the gravity of the recent arrests.
In 2021, similar incidents were reported, including the arrest of two men in Maharashtra for illegal possession of natural uranium and the seizure of uranium from seven individuals in Jharkhand. The FO had previously rejected Indian claims regarding a potentially radioactive consignment from Karachi, clarifying that the shipment contained empty containers formerly used for nuclear fuel.
The ongoing concerns reflect broader issues regarding nuclear safety and security, with Pakistan calling for international scrutiny and preventive action.
