Over 100 boxes of explosives hidden under watermelons seized in Kerala’s Palakkad

Kerala police seized a pick-up van carrying a large quantity of explosives in the Palakkad district late on Wednesday night, as per reports. 

The vehicle was transporting more than 100 boxes of gelatin sticks along with over 20 boxes of detonators, which had been hidden beneath a load of watermelons.

The interception was reportedly made by the Palakkad Town South police during a routine inspection, carried out as part of heightened security measures ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Police acted on prior intelligence suggesting that explosives were being illegally transported into the state.

According to officers, the driver failed to stop when signalled, prompting a brief chase before he was taken into custody. During initial questioning, the driver reportedly told investigators that the explosives were loaded in Coimbatore and were being taken to a quarry in Thrissur. Based on preliminary findings, police believe the materials may have been intended for quarrying operations.

Authorities also indicated that they are examining the wider issue of illegal explosive sales in the region. They noted that only a limited number of licensed agencies are authorised to sell such materials, often leading to inflated prices. This situation, police believe, encourages unlicensed sellers to distribute explosives clandestinely at lower rates.

Further investigation is under way to verify the source, legality, and intended use of the seized explosives.