What Led to the Fatal Explosion in Kerala's Kannur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One dead in a devastating explosion in Keezhara.
- Blast linked to illegal bomb-making.
- Police registered a case against Anoop under the Explosives Act.
- Explosive remnants found at the scene.
- Community deeply affected and demands action.
Kannur, Aug 30 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded in a rented residence in Keezhara, located in Kerala's Kannur district, where a powerful explosion claimed a life on Saturday, leaving the local community in disbelief.
Fragments of the victim were discovered amid the wreckage, with numerous adjacent houses suffering damages.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion occurred while attempting to manufacture country-made bombs, although some reports suggest that firecracker production was being used to disguise the illicit operation.
No permits were issued for fireworks manufacturing, which further fuels suspicions of bomb fabrication.
During a thorough inspection, the bomb squad uncovered unexploded crude bombs at the scene.
The residence, owned by retired educator Govindan, was leased by a known fireworks supplier, Anoop.
The police have initiated legal proceedings against him under the Explosives Act.
Investigators believe the deceased was one of Anoop's employees, reportedly hailing from Mattul, although this detail remains unverified.
Witnesses recounted the harrowing experience of the explosion.
"We heard an enormous bang at 2:00 a.m. When we rushed to the scene, the house had collapsed. We spotted a body, but it was concealed by debris, with only the legs visible," recounted a local resident.
Residents also noticed frequent arrivals at the house on two-wheelers, predominantly at night, yet few knew their identities.
The house typically remained dimly lit, raising suspicions only after the incident.
The shockwave from the explosion damaged neighboring properties, shattering glass panes, breaking doors, and causing cracks in walls.
"It must have been an exceptionally powerful explosive, not mere firecrackers, to demolish an entire tiled-roof house," commented another villager.
Authorities, including police, bomb squad, fire brigade, and canine units, are meticulously searching the area.
The remains of the victim have been transferred to the hospital for an autopsy.
Police revealed that Anoop was previously implicated in a similar incident in 2016 in Podikundu, Kannur, where explosives detonated within a residential property.
Furthermore, the discovery of substantial amounts of explosives has once again underscored the ongoing issue of illegal bomb production in Kannur, a region frequently marred by politically motivated violence and explosive-related occurrences.