Daijiworld News Network - Beltangady (GA)

Beltangady, Jul 11: A few resident of Dharmasthala near here on Monday July 10 stopped a jeep and seized explosives from it at Melantabettu cross near Guruvayankere here.  The jeep was on its way to Karkala from Dharmasthala.

Though the people alleged that the explosives were supplied to the Naxalites, the police denied these allegations as the person involved in the act has secured permission to sell cartridges. 

Meanwhile ammonium sticks, wires, cartridges and paste worth Rs 20,000 was found in the seized jeep.  At first, the people brought the jeep to former minister Gangadhar Gowda's Congress office.  Later they passed news to the police and handed over the jeep and the alleged accused to the police.  Hundreds of people gathered on the spot which caused confusion and tension in the crowd.  Some of them were up in arms too for a while, before police took control of the situation.

A M Anthony, to whom the jeep belonged, has permission to sell cartridges.  However, people said that he has been selling other explosives in his grocery shop at Kalleri near Dharmasthala.  Recently a blast had occurred in the shop which was not made public until one Stanley brought it to the notice of the people as well as people.

But he was assaulted and handed over to the police under false allegations.  But the present incident is a clear indication that the allegations made by Stanley were true, said locals.

The Beltangady police have booked a case in this regard.