Tiruchi, May 30 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday conducted searches at three locations in Tamil Nadu, including sites in Tiruchirappalli and Virudhunagar districts, as part of an ongoing investigation registered in Kerala.

The searches were carried out by the NIA’s Kochi unit. Among the locations inspected was a private explosives manufacturing unit near Thuraiyur in Tiruchirappalli district.

According to sources, NIA officials, accompanied by personnel from the Tiruchirappalli Rapid Response and Security Force, arrived in two vehicles and conducted a detailed inspection at a private explosives company located at the foothills of the Mankapatti Hills under the T. Murugapatti Panchayat limits near Thuraiyur.

Officials remained tight-lipped about the purpose of the operation and declined to share details with journalists. Media personnel were not allowed inside the factory premises during the inspection.

The explosives factory is known for a major industrial disaster that occurred on December 1, 2016, when a powerful explosion ripped through the facility, killing 19 workers.

The incident was one of the deadliest industrial accidents involving an explosives manufacturing unit in Tamil Nadu and led to the closure of the factory by central explosives regulatory authorities.

Following a prolonged shutdown and compliance with safety norms and regulatory requirements, the factory was subsequently permitted to resume operations under government-approved guidelines.

Saturday’s inspection by the NIA has drawn significant attention due to the sensitive nature of the establishment and its history.

The presence of armed security personnel accompanying the central agency officials further heightened interest among local residents.

While the inspection was underway, factory operations continued under close monitoring.

However, officials neither confirmed nor denied whether the search was linked to any specific security concern, Intelligence input, regulatory review, or ongoing investigation.

Residents gathered near the area as news of the NIA operation spread, but security personnel maintained strict access controls and prevented unauthorised entry into the premises.

No official statement had been issued by the NIA or the factory management till Saturday evening regarding the purpose or outcome of the searches.

Further details are expected to emerge once the agency completes its enquiry and assessment.

The searches form part of a broader operation by the NIA’s Kochi unit in connection with a case registered in Kerala, with simultaneous searches being carried out at multiple locations across Tamil Nadu.

—IANS

aal/rad