LAW

NIA takes over probe into seizure of gelatin sticks and detonators in Kerala's Malappuram

Updated May 14, 2026 at 07:58 AM

The NIA has taken over the investigation into the February seizure of a large quantity of gelatin sticks and detonators from Tirurangadi in Malappuram district, Kerala. The agency assumed control in April 2026 and is pursuing transfer of case records to a Kochi special court, with a detailed probe into origin and supply chains planned, while police had arrested six people in the incident.

Why It Matters

This is a high-profile investigation involving a large stock of explosives, with potential links to illicit activities. Central agency involvement signals heightened scrutiny and broader probes into origins and networks.

Timeline

4 Events

NIA to interrogate accused; detailed probe into origin and supply chain planned

April 2026

The NIA is expected to interrogate the accused after moving the special court in Kochi; a detailed probe into the origin and supply chain of the explosives will be carried out.

NIA takes over probe and seeks transfer of case records to Kochi special court

April 2026

The National Investigation Agency took over the case in April 2026 and approached the Judicial First Class Magistrate-I court in Parappanangadi seeking transfer of case records to its special court in Kochi.

Seizure of gelatin sticks and detonators at Tirurangadi

February 7, 2026

Police raided a brick manufacturing unit after a tip-off and found workers unloading explosives from an onion-laden lorry at Chemmad near Tirurangadi. Authorities seized 89,600 gelatin sticks concealed in 448 boxes and 10,500 non-electric shock tube detonators from the lorry. Six persons were arrested. The explosives are believed to have originated in Bijapur, Karnataka. The case was registered under Sections 4 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.

Palakkad seizure precedes Tirurangadi seizure

February 2026

A lorry carrying watermelons was seized in Palakkad district a few days before the Tirurangadi seizure, with over 100 boxes of gelatin sticks and detonators found.