NIA arrests main conspirator in Kerala illegal explosives seizure case; tenth arrest so far

NEW DELHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another accused in connection with the seizure of a large consignment of illegal explosives in Kerala’s Malappuram district, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 10, officials said on Sunday.The accused, identified as Haris TA, was arrested on Saturday from Manjeri in Malappuram.

According to the NIA, Haris is a main conspirator and was involved in the illegal procurement of the explosives seized in the case.The case relates to the seizure of 89,600 explosive sticks and 10,500 shock tubes (NONEL) from a lorry parked at the compound of Farha Hollow Bricks Company on the Chemmad-Thalappara Road in Malappuram on February 7, 2026.The lorry was intercepted by Kerala Police, who arrested three people linked to the consignment.

The NIA said the accused did not have the required licences or permissions to possess or transport the explosives.The agency subsequently re-registered the case and took over the investigation in April 2026. During the probe, the NIA conducted searches at 19 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and recovered digital devices, documents and other material, including gelatin sticks.The NIA said the investigation uncovered the involvement of additional people in the alleged conspiracy and helped identify the supply chain through which the explosives were procured and transported.Haris' arrest came a day after the NIA arrested three more accused from Vijayapura in Karnataka on August 7.

The agency said the investigation is continuing to uncover the larger conspiracy, including the illegal procurement, movement and intended use of the explosives.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.