Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (SP)

Kasargod, Dec 10: At a time when political turmoil and use of explosives and incidents of arson have often been reported from Kannur and nearby places, a huge cache of explosives was seized at Kiliyattara check post near Iritty by excise personnel on Monday December 9.

After finding explosives in the vehicle which was moving towards Kannur, the officials arrested Rajesh (26), driver, and Vishakanta (28), both from Hunsur in Mysuru district in Karnataka.

In the pick-up truck, which was bound for Kannur through the said checkpost, 100 kg ammonium nitrate, 600 nitrate mixers, and 1,500 detonators were found to have been concealed beneath gunny bags containing onion.

The arrested persons, who were questioned by police, claimed innocence. They said they were told to deliver the goods to Iritty and claimed that they do not know to whom and for what purpose these explosive materials were meant.

The police suspect that these explosives were meant for use by communal forces or some political parties which are known to use them often. Although these items are also used for mining, the fact that the present consignment is not backed by any documents has made the police to conclude that these items were meant to create trouble. They have continued investigation into the incident with the aim of catching hold of the culprits involved.