NIA arrests alleged mastermind in illegal explosives case from Kerala’s Manjeri

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reportedly arrested T.A. Harris, the alleged mastermind in a case involving the seizure of a huge cache of explosives from Chemmad, near Tirurangadi, in Kerala’s Malappuram district. He was reportedly arrested from Manjeri in the district.

According to the NIA, Mr. Harris played a key role in illegally procuring, stockpiling and distributing the explosives.

The case relates to the seizure of 89,600 gelatin sticks and 10,500 non-electric detonators from a hollow bricks factory compound at Chemmad on February 7, 2026. They were stored in boxes and were found hidden among onion sacks.

The case was handed over to the NIA after the explosives were found to have been brought without a licence. The NIA took over the investigation citing its national security implications.

The NIA conducted searches at around 19 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, recovering digital devices and documents. Three people were arrested in Karnataka earlier, while the total number of arrests in the case has now reached 10.

The agency had also searched quarry-related locations in Kozhikode, Kasaragod and Kannur districts before arresting the suspects.