The devices were found in three buckets in the Munshi Mondaltola area of Maharajpur Union at around 9.30pm on Sunday, 11 October, following a report from local residents.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police Ikramul Haque of Chapainawabganj, police went to the location after receiving a telephone call from residents who suspected that explosive materials had been left in the area. Officers found three buckets containing objects believed to be cocktails and secured the surrounding area while awaiting the arrival of a specialist team.
A bomb disposal unit from SRB-5 subsequently reached the scene and recovered the 17 devices. The operation was carried out after the objects were treated as potentially dangerous, allowing the team to handle them with the necessary precautions.
Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Tarikul Islam, company commander of the SRB Rajshahi camp, said an investigation would be conducted to establish who had placed the devices in the orchard.
The authorities have not disclosed any information identifying those responsible or explaining why the explosives were left there. No further details about the intended use of the devices were provided in the initial account.
The recovery highlights the importance of prompt reporting when suspected explosive materials are discovered. Such devices can pose a serious risk to people nearby, particularly in areas where residents work outdoors or pass through agricultural land. Their appearance alone may not establish their contents or condition, making assessment by trained personnel essential.
Police and specialist teams typically need to examine the circumstances surrounding such discoveries to determine the nature of the materials, how they were stored and whether the incident is connected to any criminal activity. In this case, the investigation is expected to focus on tracing the origin of the devices and identifying the people who left them at the site.
Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the recovery. Further findings will depend on the ongoing inquiry and any evidence gathered from the location.
Residents are advised to avoid touching or moving suspicious objects and to notify the police immediately if they encounter materials that may be explosive. Keeping away from the area allows trained personnel to assess the danger and take appropriate action.
The investigation into the 17 devices found in the lemon orchard is continuing, with police seeking to determine who placed them there and the circumstances behind the incident.
