Pakistan has reached out to the international community over the arrest of a gang charged with smuggling radioactive substances called ‘californium’ in India.
Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) has questioned how hazardous Sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material was stolen.
The Bihar Police have arrested a member of a gang smuggling californium, a radioactive chemical that is used to cure cancer. It is reportedly worth RS 17 crore a gram, Indian Media report
“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. 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 Foreign Office.
Quoting last month’s incident where five individuals with a radioactive device reportedly stolen from Bhabha Atomic Research Center were also found from Dehradun, the FO expressed strong reservations on the developments.