Tamil Nadu: Joint police-special branch probe in explosives seizure case

Tamil Nadu Q Branch police is interrogating the two persons arrested in connection with the unearthing of 1.5 tonnes of explosives, including over 2,400 gelatin sticks, stocked illegally in a shed near Erode.

Officials of the Q Branch, which deals with extremist activities, have joined the local police in the investigation in view of the huge quantity of explosive materials, police said.
The search for another person, also involved in illegal sale of explosive materials, was continuing, they said.

Q Branch police are also questioning Mani, a cement dealer, arrested on Sunday for allegedly stocking 100 gelatin sticks and 100 electric detonators in Avalpoondurai area near Arachalure.
As many as 2,490 gelatin sticks, 1,531 electric detonators and fuse wire all weighing about 1.5 tonne, kept concealed in boxes, were seized from a thatched shed near Arachalure, 25 km from here, on information provided by the two after Police on a routine patrol questioned them on suspicion.
The two arrested had claimed they were supplying the explosives to quarries for blasting rocks.