Malappuram explosives seizure: NIA probing larger conspiracy

Kochi: National Investigation Agency (NIA), probing the seizure of a huge cache of explosives in Malappuram, found that the barcode labels affixed on the explosive packages were deliberately removed or tampered with, with the intention to conceal the source, ownership and movement of the explosives.According to NIA, as part of the investigation, magazine premises of Chetan Enterprises in Talikoti, Karnataka, were searched. Live detonators and tampered barcode labels were recovered.NIA sleuths said these circumstances point towards a larger criminal conspiracy and prima facie reveal illegal handling and trafficking of explosive substances, necessitating custodial interrogation to ascertain the source, movement and intended use of the explosives.NIA revealed the findings while objecting to pre-arrest bail pleas moved by Mantagoud Biradar, 35, of Bijapur, Karnataka, and Bapagoud Bheeramaya Choudri, 47, of Talikoti, Karnataka.The case pertains to the seizure of 89,600 gelatin sticks and 1.05 lakh non-electric detonators from a truck in Malappuram. At least 35 boxes, marked as ‘Sun Det Explosive’, containing the explosives, were found from the truck on Feb 7 after police removed 133 sacks of onions placed over it.

NIA took over the case from Tirurangadi police on April 24.The pre-arrest pleas contended that no incriminating materials were recovered during searches were conducted by the NIA at the duo’s premises. They are partners of Chetan Enterprises, and their enterprise is duly licensed to store explosive and has valid documents, they contended.NIA counsel contended that the petitioners are the prime movers and conspirators in the case.

Investigation so far reveals their involvement in the illegal procurement, handling of substantial quantity of explosive substances, having serious implications on public order and national security, NIA stated.NIA also contended that the materials collected during investigation prima facie reveal the involvement of the petitioners in the criminal conspiracy and indicate the larger network operating behind the commission of the offence.NIA also submitted that after the explosives reached the hands of the petitioners, they deliberately removed and tampered with the barcode labels affixed on the packages with the intention of concealing their origin, ownership and movement. According to them, the explosives were unlawfully sold to the first accused, Muhammed Salim, and other accused for illegal and unlawful purposes.After hearing both sides, the court dismissed the pre-arrest bail pleas.According to the order, dated June 29, the court asked the petitioners’ counsel whether he could produce the GST e-way bill issued by the petitioners to a licensed person. Though he promised to produce the same and sought time, he submitted that he could not produce the same a day later.“The failure on the part of the petitioners to produce the e-way bill issued by them shows that the petitioners have sold the same to unauthorized persons, without bill. The fact that the explosive materials in this case were found concealed under onion bags, without the label as required by the rules, makes it clear that the petitioners have sold the same illegally,” the order said.