Kochi, 01 Nov (H.S.):

A special court in Kochi has permitted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to destroy a huge consignment of explosives seized from an onion-laden truck in Kerala’s Malappuram district in February, citing the risks associated with prolonged storage.

The consignment comprises 89,600 gelatin sticks and a large quantity of non-electric detonators recovered at Tirurangadi. The explosives will be neutralised and destroyed under expert supervision with necessary safety precautions.

The NIA in a statement said that Special NIA Court Judge P.K. Mohandas issued the order while considering the agency’s application on October 30. Investigators had sought permission for disposal, warning that retaining such a large quantity of highly explosive material could pose a serious safety threat and cause accidents.

The court directed the NIA to preserve adequate samples for use as scientific evidence during the trial. It authorised the destruction of the remaining stock with the assistance of bomb disposal experts.

Local police discovered the explosives on February 7 following a tip-off. The truck was parked on the premises of Farha Hollow Bricks along the Chemmad–Thalappara road in Tirurangadi.

The gelatin sticks were concealed among sacks of onions. Police arrested those travelling in the vehicle after they allegedly failed to produce documents or licences authorising possession or transportation of the explosives.

The NIA subsequently took over the investigation, considering the seriousness of the seizure.

As part of its probe, the agency conducted simultaneous searches at more than 19 locations across Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to trace the supply chain and identify those involved.

According to investigators, licensed explosives dealers and users allegedly diverted the consignment for illegal sale in violation of regulations governing its handling and distribution.

The NIA has arrested 11 people in connection with the case so far. Investigations into their financial transactions and the wider network behind the alleged illegal trade are continuing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman