What happened (arrest and seizure facts)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested T.A. Harris, alleged mastermind in an illegal explosives case tied to a major seizure in Kerala. NIA said Harris played a key role in the alleged illegal procurement, stockpiling, and distribution of explosives.

The seizure that triggered the case reportedly took place on 7 February 2026 at a hollow bricks factory compound in Chemmad near Tirurangadi in Malappuram district, Kerala. NIA reported explosives were hidden in boxes among onion sacks. The reported cache included 89,600 gelatin sticks and 10,500 non-electric detonators, and NIA alleged the explosives were brought without a licence.

Background and earlier position (how the investigation progressed)

NIA took over the investigation citing national security implications. Earlier arrests had been made in Karnataka, and the reported total arrests in the case later reached 10. NIA also conducted searches at around 19 locations across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, recovering digital devices and documents.

What changed now (scope of arrests and investigative intensity)

Related current affairs