Women working under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) found an unexploded artillery shell in Melpakkam village near Arakkonam, Ranipet district. They were digging an open plot to create a pond when they hit a metal object. The workers quickly informed local officials including Arakkonam Tahsildar K. Venkatesan, Block Development Officer S. Dasaprakash, and police. Ranipet Superintendent of Police Ayman Jamal said, "The shell resembles an old, corroded artillery. We have also sought an expert opinion on it. Also, the local police have been directed to check any such explosives in the area." Initial checks show the shell is about three feet tall and heavily corroded. Officials believe it dates back to the British era, possibly from World War II. However, similar shells are still used today. The shell was inspected by the police and has been moved to the district Arms Depot. The Ranipet police have asked the Army to assess and dismantle the shell. A probe into the discovery is ongoing.