NIA's Multi-State Search in Kerala Explosives Case: Six Arrested, Digital Devices, Documents Seized

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National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches across three states in southern India including Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in a case of seizure of a large quantity of explosives in Kerala’s Malappuram district. The explosives were recovered from Kerala in February this year.The searches were conducted at 19 premises of the accused, as well as at the houses of dealers and manufacturers of explosives. Several digital devices, documents, and other materials, including gelatin sticks, were seized during Saturday's extensive searches.

Six Accused Arrested

A total of six accused persons have so far been arrested in the case, which has revealed grave national security implications, given the huge quantum of illegally procured explosives that the Kerala Police seized in February this year.

89,600 Gelatin Sticks, Over 10,000 Detonators Seized

The local police had registered a case after the seizure of a lorry, which was packed with a large quantity of explosives and parked in the compound of Farha Hollow Bricks company at Chemmad-Thalappara Road in Malappuram district. The explosives seized from the lorry included 89,600 gelatin sticks in 448 boxes and 10,500 non-electric detonators in 35 boxes.The entire consignment had been procured without a valid licence and was intended for illegal and unlawful activities. NIA took over the case in April 2026.The NIA said it is continuing its probe into the case to unravel the supply chain behind the unlawful pilferage of explosive substances and their intended use.