Pakistan concerned over reports of theft, illicit sale of radioactive material in India

Pakistan has expressed concerns over reports of theft and illicit sale of radioactive material in India.

The Foreign Office, in a statement on Monday, said that in the latest incident two persons were arrested for illegal possession of californium which is a highly radioactive and toxic substance.

“It is a matter of grave concern for the international community that an extremely rare Sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) material like californium could be stolen,” the statement added.

It further stated that as in the previous cases, the arrested individuals apparently got hold of the radioactive material by purchasing it from inside India.

“This is the third such occurrence in India in the last four months,” it said adding that earlier media reports had highlighted separate seizures in May and June 2021 of over seven kilogramme and more than six kilogramme of uranium from unauthorised persons in India.

“These repeated incidents raise serious concerns about the safety and security of nuclear and other radioactive materials in India, and the possible existence of a black market for such materials inside the country,” the statement maintained.

The FO further said that the incident also indicates the lax arrangements inside India to secure imported SRS material.

“Pakistan reiterates its call for a thorough investigation and adequate measures to prevent their recurrence,” the statement concluded.