Global Security Newswire

Indian police in the Jammu and Kashmir region have discovered a small pistol with 25 bullets that may have been coated in a lethal chemical agent, police officials said Saturday (see GSN, Dec. 2).

“We recovered a pen-pistol and 25 cartridges. When one of our men tried to remove the cartridge inside, it emitted fumes and he felt dizzy and became unconscious,” said K. Rajendra, inspector general of police in the region. “We have sent the pistol and bullets for forensic examination. Initial tests reveal the bullets are laced with a neurotoxic substance,” Rajendra added.

The weapon was found last week in a house near the border with Pakistan, according to Rajendra. The owner of the house is currently being held (Reuters, Dec. 13).

The cartridges were reportedly marked “Neuroxin” and “BA,” according to police (India News, Dec 12).