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Investigators Probe Source of Huge Explosives Consignment in Kerala
Nearly 90,000 Gelatin Sticks and Thousands of Detonators Were Recovered in Malappuram District
National Investigation Agency has taken over the investigation into the seizure of a massive quantity of gelatin sticks and detonators from Tirurangadi in Malappuram district earlier this year, officials said on Thursday.
According to sources, the NIA formally assumed control of the case last month and has recently approached the Judicial First Class Magistrate-I court in Parappanangadi seeking transfer of the case records to its special court in Kochi.
The case pertains to the recovery of 89,600 gelatin sticks hidden inside 448 boxes along with 10,500 non-electric shock tube detonators from an onion-laden lorry intercepted at Chemmad near Tirurangadi on February 7, 2026.
Officials suspect the explosives consignment may have been intended for unlawful activities, prompting the involvement of the NIA for a deeper and more comprehensive investigation into possible interstate or organised networks behind the transportation.
The seizure had earlier triggered serious security concerns due to the unusually large quantity of explosive materials involved. Investigators are examining the source, intended destination, and potential end-users of the recovered materials.
The NIA is expected to probe possible links to illegal mining, organised crime networks, or other unlawful operations involving explosives transportation and storage.