NELLORE: In an unusual catch that left local fishermen both curious and concerned, a large projectile weighing approximately 100 kilograms was recently found tangled in fishing nets near Nazampattinam, close to Nellore. The discovery was made by a fishing crew led by Chennai-based Dineshkumar, a resident of Kasimedu, who set out to sea last month with his own trawler. The fishermen initially thought they had netted a substantial haul of fish when they noticed an unusually heavy pull in their net, only to find a massive projectile instead.
Upon bringing the strange object back to shore, local police and the Tamil Nadu Fisheries Department inspected the projectile, which was covered in barnacles, suggesting it may have been submerged for three to four months. Officials noted that the projectile bore several markings and serial numbers, raising suspicions that it may belong to a private defence aerospace firm. The item has since been handed over to the fishing harbour police station for further investigation.
Authorities Inspect and Verify Projectile Details
Upon notification of the discovery, officials from the Indian Coast Guard and Navy conducted a close examination of the projectile. They quickly confirmed that it did not belong to their respective forces. Detailed inspections revealed that the object lacked a guidance system, a triggering mechanism, a proximity fuse, and any solid or liquid fuel. Authorities speculate it might have accidentally fallen into the sea during a test by a defense contractor or private aerospace firm, though a full investigation is ongoing to verify its exact origin.
Recent Incident Raises Concerns of Growing Security Threats
The discovery of the projectile comes shortly after another unsettling find in Tamil Nadu. On October 30, a live rocket launcher was found near the Shiva Temple — Vadatheerthanatha Swamy Temple — in Jeeyapuram near Andanallur, Trichy. Nearby devotees, who initially feared the launcher might be a bomb, immediately reported it to authorities. Police took swift action, handing the launcher over to the 117 Army Infantry Battalion for a comprehensive investigation.
The launcher, found between boulders along the banks of the Cauvery River, was later confirmed to be a mortar shell. On November 1, the Trichy district police carried out a controlled detonation of the mortar following standard procedures. The bomb disposal squad dug a four-foot-deep pit, surrounded it with sandbags, and safely neutralized the threat. Fragments from the detonated shell were sent to the Territorial Army in Trichy for forensic analysis, with markings on the shell expected to help authorities trace its origin.
Rising Security Concerns in Tamil Nadu
The back-to-back discovery of such projectiles and ordnance has raised concerns among locals and authorities alike. Security analysts and some critics have voiced fears about increasing criminal and anti-national activities within Tamil Nadu. Citing recent reports, critics suggest that the state may be witnessing a resurgence of radical elements, including suspected Naxal and fundamentalist groups. Notably, there have been unverified allegations that banned organizations such as the Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) have organized clandestine arms training camps in various districts across the state, targeting vulnerable youth for indoctrination.
One security expert expressed particular concern, stating, “In the past three years, Tamil Nadu has seen an uptick in activities by anti-national elements and radicalized factions. The authorities should take this discovery very seriously and prioritize a thorough investigation into the origins of these munitions.”
The Ariyalur and Jayamkondam regions, historically linked to Naxal and Tamil nationalist activities, have especially drawn the attention of authorities as they search for leads. Security agencies are being urged to conduct thorough inquiries, not only to identify the origins of these devices but also to assess any potential threats to Tamil Nadu’s internal security.
Local leaders and concerned citizens have appealed to law enforcement to strengthen their vigilance and intensify security measures across Tamil Nadu. Public safety advocates emphasize that any sign of laxity could pose a serious risk to the state’s security and stability.
