NIA arrests 10th accused in Malappuram explosives case
NIA arrests 10th accused in Kerala explosives case. Image Credit: Wikimedia
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency has arrested another accused in the Malappuram explosives case, taking the total number of arrests to 10. The agency arrested Haris TA from Manjeri in Malappuram on Saturday.
The NIA has identified Haris as a main conspirator in the alleged illegal procurement of the explosives. His arrest came a day after the agency arrested three more accused from Vijayapura in Karnataka.
The case began on February 7, when Kerala Police intercepted a lorry at the compound of Farha Hollow Bricks Company on Chemmad Thalappara Road in Malappuram. The lorry, bearing registration number KL 10 BF 8395, carried 89,600 explosive sticks and 10,500 NONEL shock tubes.
Kerala Police initially arrested three people linked to the consignment. The NIA said the accused did not hold the licences or permissions required to possess or transport the explosives.
The NIA later re-registered the case and took charge of the investigation. The agency has since expanded the probe across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
NIA teams searched 19 locations during the investigation. They recovered digital devices, documents and other material, including gelatine sticks, according to the agency.
The NIA said three of the accused were licensed dealers and users of explosives but allegedly sold the material in violation of legal requirements.
The agency arrested Mantagoud Biradar, Bapagoud Bheeramaya Choudri and Prakash Gauda Biradar in Vijayapura on August 7. All three come from Vijayapura district in Karnataka.
The arrests have helped the NIA trace the alleged supply chain behind the explosives. Investigators are examining how the material moved from its source to Malappuram and who else may have helped procure or transport it.
The agency has also identified additional people allegedly involved in the wider conspiracy. However, the NIA has not disclosed the intended use of the seized explosives.
The probe therefore extends beyond the original seizure. Investigators are now looking at the procurement, transportation and movement of the explosives, while trying to establish the full network involved in the case.
The NIA said its investigation into the larger conspiracy and the illegal procurement and movement of the explosives continues. Further arrests could follow as the agency works to identify other people allegedly connected to the supply chain.
