Gadgets, documents & more gelatin sticks seized in NIA raids in Malappuram

Kochi: National Investigation Agency (NIA) seized several digital devices, documents and other materials, including gelatin sticks, in extensive searches held on Saturday in connection with the probe into the seizure of a large cache of gelatin sticks and detonators from Tirurangadi in Malappuram.

NIA, in a statement, said the searches were held at 19 premises linked to the accused in the case and at the houses of dealers and manufacturers of explosives in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

According to NIA, six accused persons have so far been arrested in the case, which revealed grave national security implications due to the huge quantum of illegally procured explosives that state police seized in Feb this year.

Local police registered a case after the seizure of a truck, which was packed with a large quantity of explosives and parked in the compound of Faba Hollow Bricks company at Chemmad-Thalappara Road in Malappuram. The explosives seized from the truck included 89,600 gelatin sticks in 448 boxes and 10,500 non-electric detonators in 35 boxes.

The entire consignment was reportedly procured without a valid licence and was intended for illegal and unlawful activities. NIA took over the case in April.

NIA’s probe is to unravel the supply chain involved in the unlawful pilferage of explosive substances and their intended use, said the statement.

The raids in Kerala were held at Tirurangadi, Vandoor, Eranjimavu and several locations in Kannur and Kasaragod, sources said.

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