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Key Points

The Coimbatore Anti-Terrorism Squad made a major interception of nearly two tonnes of explosives being transported toward Kerala. This seizure has triggered security concerns given Coimbatore's history with the deadly 1998 serial bomb blasts. The driver was arrested after police found fabricated documentation on the explosive boxes. Authorities are investigating the manufacturing source and intended use of such a large quantity of illegal explosives.

Key Points: Coimbatore ATS Seizes 2 Tonnes Explosives Near Kerala Border

  • ATS intercepted van carrying 75 boxes of gelatin sticks near Kerala border
  • Driver M Subair arrested transporting explosives without proper documents
  • Fake company details and QR codes found printed on explosive boxes
  • Consignment loaded from Salem manufacturing unit destined for Kerala
2 min read

TN: Two tonnes of explosives seized in Coimbatore, rising security concerns

Coimbatore ATS intercepts pickup van with 2 tonnes gelatin sticks, driver arrested. Raises security alarms recalling city's 1998 terror blasts history.

"The documentation is fake. We are probing the manufacturing source, financing, and the intended use - Senior Police Officer"

Chennai, Aug 26

In a major operation, the Coimbatore Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) intercepted a pickup van carrying nearly two tonnes of gelatin sticks at Madukkarai, Coimbatore, on Tuesday.

The seizure has triggered alarm given Coimbatore’s violent past, including the 1998 serial bomb blasts that killed 58 people during a planned assassination attempt on then Deputy Prime Minister and BJP leader L.K. Advani.

The ATS team, led by Inspector Karuppasamy Pandian, stopped the vehicle while it was headed towards Kerala.

A detailed search revealed 75 boxes containing gelatin sticks, with each box holding 200 sticks. The total weight was estimated at two tonnes. Preliminary investigation revealed that the explosives were loaded from a manufacturing unit in Kennedy Nagar, Salem.

The driver, identified as M. Subair, 43, of Arimbra in Malappuram, was transporting the consignment to Kerala without proper documents. He was arrested on the spot.

Police sources said Subair admitted to transporting the explosives for his friend Shafee.

Investigators suspect the explosives were intended for unauthorised purposes, though the exact end-use remains under inquiry. The seized materials will be stored in a government-approved godown in Kinathukadavu after court approval.

Officials noted that the company details, addresses, and QR codes printed on the boxes were fabricated, raising further suspicion about the origins of the consignment.

“The documentation is fake. We are probing the manufacturing source, financing, and the intended use of these explosives. The large scale of this haul cannot be ignored,” a senior officer said.

Subair was produced in court and remanded in judicial custody. The ATS has handed over the vehicle and the accused to the Madukkarai police, who have registered a case and launched parallel inquiries.

Police officials said the seizure highlights the urgent need for vigilance in Coimbatore, a city still scarred by the 1998 blasts that were part of a major terror conspiracy.

The recovery of two tonnes of explosives has once again underscored how the region remains vulnerable to illegal smuggling of arms and explosives across state borders.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good work by the ATS team! But this raises serious questions about how such large quantities of explosives are being manufactured and transported across state borders. The system needs better monitoring and stricter regulations.
M
Michael C
As someone who lived in Coimbatore during the 1998 blasts, this news brings back terrible memories. The authorities must ensure that such incidents don't repeat. Thorough investigation needed!
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Sneha F
The fact that QR codes and addresses were fabricated shows this was a well-planned operation. This is not some small-time smuggling. Hope the investigation reveals the entire network behind this.
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate the police action, I'm concerned about how such large quantities reached the transportation stage without being detected earlier. Our intelligence and monitoring systems need upgrading.
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Nisha Z
This is terrifying! Two tonnes of explosives heading to Kerala? Thank God they were intercepted. We need better coordination between state police forces to prevent such cross-border smuggling. 🙏

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