Police in Palakkad book owner of fireworks unit

Palakkad: Police have registered a case against the owner of a fireworks manufacturing unit linked to Paramekkavu Devaswom, Thrissur, for allegedly storing explosives far beyond the permitted limit. Kollengode police in Palakkad registered the case against Kottayam native Binoy Jacob, who owns the unit at Vellaramkadavu in Muthalamada, Palakkad. The action follows a report submitted by the Chittur tahsildar to the deputy SP, which found that fireworks and explosive materials were stored in excess of the licensed quantity. According to the revenue department, Binoy had been granted a licence by the Palakkad district administration to store only 15 kg of explosives. However, nearly 1,000 kg of explosive materials were allegedly found at the facility during inspection. District authorities said further investigation is under way, and the unit has been sealed by the police.