Illegally Kept ‘Radioactive’ Material Seized in Bihar; 3 Arrested

Patna: Three persons were arrested by Bihar police in Gopalganj district and a consignment of illegally kept suspected radioactive material californium was seized from them on Friday.

Bihar police have informed the department of atomic energy regarding the seizure.

Californium is a synthetic radioactive chemical element developed by scientists at the California University in 1950. It is used in metal detectors, underground oil and water exploration, and identifying metal stress in aircraft. It is used as a startup neutron source in nuclear reactors.

According to a report in The Telegraph, the three persons were  nabbed near the Balthari checkpost under the Kuchaikot police station area. They were carrying 50 grams of suspected californium.

Quoting police officials, The Telegraph added that the arrested persons had procured the suspected radioactive material from Gujarat and were trying to sell it.