Reported by Manoj Kumar Ojha
Tinsukia: A suspected World War II-era tank shell was unearthed in Singri village under Ledo Police Outpost in Assam’s Tinsukia district on Wednesday after a local resident accidentally discovered the object while digging near his shop, triggering concern among residents and prompting an immediate response from authorities.
The explosive-like object was found by Mohammed Ismail during routine excavation work adjacent to his shop premises.
Eyewitnesses said the digging activity came to a halt when a large metallic object surfaced from beneath the soil.
“We were digging when the object appeared. Its size and structure made us suspect it could be dangerous,” a worker present at the site said.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the object may be a tank shell dating back to the World War II period, as the Ledo–Lekhapani belt holds historical significance due to its strategic role during wartime operations, including the construction of the Stilwell Road.
Police personnel swiftly reached the spot, secured the area, and restricted public access as a precautionary measure. Bomb disposal experts have been informed for the safe handling and detailed examination of the object.
An official confirmation regarding the nature of the shell is awaited, and investigations were ongoing at the time of filing this report.