NIA arrests key conspirator in Malappuram illegal explosives case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested another key suspect in the Malappuram illegal explosives case, raising the total number of arrests to ten. On Saturday, Haris TA was taken into custody in Manjeri, Malappuram district, Kerala. Authorities say he was a main conspirator and played a major role in illegally obtaining the explosives.

Haris TA’s arrest is part of the NIA’s ongoing investigation into a planned inter-state effort to obtain, move, and store large amounts of illegal explosives. The case, registered as RC-01/2026/NIA/KOC, began when Kerala Police found a lorry (KL 10 BF 8395) parked at Farha Hollow Bricks Company on Chemmad-Thalappara Road, Malappuram, on February 7, 2026.

When the Kerala police officers searched the vehicle, they found 89,600 explosive sticks and 10,500 shock tubes (NONEL). Three people linked to the shipment were arrested at the scene. None of them had valid licenses or permits to transport or possess the explosives, which made the operation illegal under the Explosives Act and related laws. Given the seriousness and possible national security risks, the NIA re-registered the case and took charge of the investigation. Since then, the agency has searched 19 locations in three states, found important evidence, and identified more suspects involved in the conspiracy. Haris TA on Saturday followed closely on the heels of another significant development: on August 7, the NIA arrested three more suspects from Vijayapura, Karnataka, Mantagoud Biradar, Bapagoud Bheeramaya Choudri, and Prakash Gauda Biradar, all from Vijayapura district.

With Haris TA in custody, the total number of arrests in the case is now ten. Investigators believe the seized explosives were part of a broader network involved in illegal procurement and distribution. Recovery of over 10,000 shock tubes has raised serious concerns about the possible end-use of the material and the sophistication of the supply chain that enabled it to reach Malappuram undetected until the February interception.

Throughout the probe, the NIA has focused on tracing the origin of the explosives, the financing of the operation, and the roles played by various individuals at different stages of procurement, storage and transportation, sources said.

By conducting searches in several states, the NIA has mapped out how far the conspiracy spread and found important leads. Officials said that Mantagoud Biradar, Bapagoud Bheeramaya Choudri, and Prakash Gauda Biradar had licenses to deal with explosives in some cases. However, they still broke the law by selling and moving the seized materials. This highlights the challenges of the clandestine explosives trade, which poses serious risks to public safety and national security.

Agencies continue to stress the importance of strict compliance with licensing norms for manufacturing, transporting, and storing explosives. The lack of valid permits in this case underscores the deliberate nature of the violation. As the investigation progresses, the NIA is expected to file additional chargesheets and continue efforts to dismantle the network behind the illegal consignment.

The arrest of Haris TA, named as a main conspirator in getting the explosives, along with the earlier arrests of Mantagoud Biradar, Bapagoud Bheeramaya Choudri, and Prakash Gauda Biradar, is an important step in uncovering the whole plot. “With searches in several states and more suspects in custody, the agency is working to make sure everyone involved in the illegal explosives trade is held accountable”, the sources added.