Officers of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) carried out coordinated searches across multiple premises in Kerala on Saturday as part of a wider operation spanning Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, in connection with a case involving the seizure of a large quantity of explosives from a lorry at Chemmad here earlier this year.

According to officials, simultaneous raids were conducted at 19 locations, including the residences and business establishments of the six accused persons in the Chemmad case, as well as premises linked to their alleged associates and business dealers. A statement issued by the NIA in New Delhi confirmed the scale and coordination of the operation. Raids were held in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.

During the searches, investigators recovered digital devices, documents, and other materials, including gelatin sticks, from some locations. However, sources indicated that the raids in parts of Malappuram district did not yield any major recoveries.

The case traces back to early February, when a massive stockpile of explosives concealed in an onion-laden lorry was intercepted at a brick kiln compound at Chemmad near Tirurangadi. The seizure included 448 boxes containing 89,600 gelatin sticks and 10,500 non-electric detonators packed in 35 boxes.

The NIA said that six persons were arrested so far in connection with the case, which it describes as having serious national security implications due to the large-scale illegal procurement and movement of explosives. The agency took over the investigation in April after the initial inquiry by the police.

‘For quarrying’

According to the NIA, the explosives were procured without valid authorisation and were intended for unlawful use. However, local police sources suggested that the materials were being transported for quarrying operations in Malappuram and neighbouring districts.

The case has drawn further attention in the wake of a similar seizure in Palakkad just two days before the Chemmad incident, where 4,000 gelatin sticks and several detonators were discovered hidden beneath a consignment of watermelons in a lorry travelling from Tamil Nadu to Thrissur. The police said the consignment was linked to quarry-related activities in Thrissur district.

Investigators also suspect that the explosives seized from Chemmad were part of a wider supply network catering to quarry operations across Malappuram and nearby districts. The NIA continues to probe the chain of procurement, transport and intended use of the seized materials as part of its ongoing investigation into the case.