NIA conducts raids in Kerala over explosives seizure

Kochi: National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted simultaneous raids in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod in connection with the seizure of a large cache of gelatin sticks and detonators from Tirurangadi in Malappuram. Agency reports said searches were also carried out in neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The state police had seized 89,600 gelatin sticks concealed in 448 boxes, along with 10,500 non-electric shock-tube detonators, from a truck transporting onions in Feb this year. Six persons were arrested in this connection.

According to sources, the searches at the residences and business establishments of the accused and other suspects began early on Saturday morning. They were carried out in Tirurangadi, Vandoor, Eranjimavu and multiple locations in Kannur and Kasaragod.

The NIA took over the case more than a month ago. The central agency had moved the Judicial First Class Magistrate-I Court in Parappanangadi to transfer the case records to its special court in Kochi.

According to the police investigation, the explosives were intended for illegal quarrying. The central agency decided to conduct a comprehensive probe considering the large quantity of explosives seized. Sources said the NIA investigation is focused on the illegal transportation of explosives and motives of those involved.

According to the police investigation, the explosives originated in Bijapur, Karnataka. The case was registered under Sections 4 (possession of explosives with intent to endanger life or property) and 5 (possession under suspicious circumstances) of the Explosive Substances Act.