Overview
- NIA teams carried out coordinated searches at 19 premises across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on May 30, seizing digital devices, documents and explosive materials as part of case RC-01/2026/NIA/KOC.
- The probe traces back to a lorry intercepted on February 7 at a brick‑kiln compound in Chemmad that contained explosives hidden among onion sacks, which local police first registered and later prompted the NIA takeover in April.
- Investigators say the haul included 89,600 gelatin sticks in 448 boxes and 10,500 non-electric detonators in 35 boxes, and that the consignment had been procured without valid licences.
- Six people have been arrested so far and authorities are conducting forensic analysis of seized devices and documents to map suppliers, dealers, manufacturers and intended end‑users.
- The raids target quarry and hollow‑brick links and a private explosives factory with a past deadly blast, raising questions about licensing, stock control and the risk to nearby communities while regulators and police continue inspections.