NIA arrests alleged mastermind in illegal explosives case from Kerala’s Manjeri
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
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reportedly arrested T.A. Harris, who is accused of masterminding a large-scale explosives case in Kerala's Manjeri. According to the agency, Harris played a crucial role in illegally procuring, stockpiling and distributing explosives. The seizure involved 89,600 gelatin sticks and 10,500 non-electric detonators found hidden among onion sacks at a hollow bricks factory in Chemmad, near Tirurangadi, on February 7, 2026.
The case was transferred to the NIA due to its potential national security implications, and they conducted searches at multiple locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, recovering digital devices and documents. Three individuals were arrested in Karnataka before Harris' arrest, bringing the total number of arrests to 10.
Earlier, searches were carried out in quarry-related locations in Kozhikode, Kasaragod and Kannur districts. The NIA has now issued a complete account of the case without making any definitive claims about Harris' guilt.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
