A major security scare erupted in Uttarakhand after police recovered 161 gelatin sticks near a school in Almora, prompting a detailed investigation.

Amid an ongoing power tussle in the ruling Congress, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday called on party president Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence here, and dismissed speculation of a leadership change in the state.

A large quantity of highly explosive gelatin sticks has been found near a school in a village in Uttarakhand, putting the police on alert in the Almora district.