Over 100 Boxes Of Explosives, Concealed Beneath Load Of Fruits, Seized From Van In Kerala

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 14:50 IST

Police in Palakkad seized a pick-up van with over 100 boxes of gelatin sticks and detonators hidden under watermelons. The driver of the vehicle was detained.

Explosives seized from van in Kerala (Video screengrabs)

A pick-up van carrying more than 100 boxes of explosives was seized near the Palakkad town area in Kerala on Wednesday night, after which the police took the driver into custody.

An officer from the Palakkad Town South Police Station said an initial inspection of the vehicle revealed over 100 boxes of gelatin sticks along with more than 20 boxes of detonators.

The explosives were concealed beneath a load of watermelons, he said, adding that the interception took place around 9 pm.

Police stopped the pick-up van while carrying out vehicle inspections after receiving specific information that large quantities of explosives were being illegally brought into the state.

“The driver did not stop the vehicle when the police asked him to. Thereafter, the vehicle was chased down," the officer told news agency PTI.

During preliminary questioning, the driver informed investigators that he had loaded the boxes from Coimbatore and was transporting them to a quarry in Thrissur, the officer said.

He was subsequently taken into custody while officials completed formalities connected with the seizure.

Police said a case under the Explosive Substances Act would be registered against the driver after the documentation process related to the confiscated material was completed.

Officials also indicated that, at first glance, the explosives appeared to have been meant for quarrying work, though investigators were continuing to verify whether the transport complied with licensing and safety regulations.

“We are looking into it. There are only a few agencies that has license to sell these explosives. It’s a monopoly in most areas where high prices are charged, so people without a license sell this for low prices secretly. At first glance, this is what it looks like," a police officer said.

Authorities are now focusing on establishing the full chain of custody of the seized materials, including how they were procured, who authorised their movement, and whether the quarry named by the driver was entitled to receive such a consignment.

Police are also examining whether any additional individuals or intermediaries were involved in transporting or supplying the explosives.

The gelatin sticks and detonators, which were packed in more than a hundred boxes, have been secured as part of the investigation.

Police added that more details are expected to emerge once the verification of documents is complete and inquiries are made with relevant agencies regarding the licensing and sale of such explosive materials.

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