Seizure of explosives in Karkala raises doubts

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi , Oct 26, 2015 : Three days ago, Udupi police seized about 250 bags of 50 kilograms each ammonium nitrate stored illegally from a farm house in Tellar.   The seizure of huge cache of ammonium nitrate in Karkala again has raised eyebrows about the safety of the town whether it is facing a serious security lapse.

The  arrested person Biju TK, is habitual offender itis said. He had been jailed for similar cases and was released six month ago prom jail. Last year, 62 tonnes of ammonium nitrate seized from him from another place included 50,350 detonators and 19,250 metres of safety fuse wires from three houses in Karkala and two nearby villages. Similar operations were conducted in the year 2007 and 2004. All components seized are widely used in blasting quarries.

Even after the repeated incidents illegal storage of explosives in the naxal affected area the authorities have not able to curb the illegally supply completely.   Udupi SP said that they were  trying best to stop supply of such banned explosives and utmost concern that it is not diverted to other illegal activities he told media. 

In the year 2003, four people had been allegedly killed on the spot when a drilling vehicle which was carrying explosives was blasted. Ammonium  use for commercial purposes is banned from 2012, but it is used extensively for stone quarries and hydro-electric power projects,  blasting of rocks SP said. 

When asked whether it is diverted to other illegal activities, SP stressed that police have been monitoring timely on these activities and have been carrying raids so that it is not accessed by naxal or other anti-social elements. "Karkala taluk has around 62 licensed crushers as well few illegal ones."

Another police officer, on condition of anonymity revealed that recently  ammonium is procured from Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Primary investigation reveals that arrested Biju had kept it somewhere before his previous arrest in 2014 and was recovered this time. Efforts are on to find out whether he has supplied for uses other than quarrying. 

Officials added transportation or storage of ammonium nitrate, Gelatin sticks and detonators is hazardous and may lead to disaster.   Meanwhile, Alok Mohan, ADGP (L & O) said, We are investigating Karkala incident from  all angles. Soon will come with out with detailed reports.