New Delhi, 30 May (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday carried out searches across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka in connection with the seizure of a massive cache of explosives in Kerala’s Malappuram district.

Officials said raids were conducted at 19 premises linked to the accused in case RC-01/2026/NIA/KOC, as well as at the houses of dealers and manufacturers of explosives.

During the operation, investigators seized several digital devices, documents, and materials, including gelatin sticks.

So far, six accused have been arrested in the case, which has raised serious national security concerns, given the scale of illegally procured explosives seized by Kerala Police in February this year.

The local police had registered a case after intercepting a lorry packed with explosives parked inside the compound of Farha Hollow Bricks company on Chemmad-Thalappara Road in Malappuram district.

The haul included 89,600 gelatin sticks in 448 boxes and 10,500 non-electric detonators in 35 boxes.

Authorities confirmed the entire consignment had been procured without a valid licence and was meant for unlawful activities.

NIA formally took over the investigation in April 2026.

The agency said it is continuing its probe to trace the supply chain behind the unlawful pilferage of explosive substances and to determine their intended use.

–IANS

scor/dan