Four persons were arrested for unauthorised possession of explosive materials at a dilapidated building at Purappuzha, near Thodupuzha, in Idukki on Saturday. The arrested are Jomon John (46) of Karimkunnam, Basil Joy (28) of Kanjikkuzhi, Saji Stephan (40) of Kottayam and Shibu Jose (49) of Thodupuzha.
According to Thodupuzha Deputy Superintendent of Police M.R. Madhu Babu, the police team seized 40 gelatin sticks, 36 electric detonators, starting machine, an earthmover and a jackhammer. “The accused have been booked under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908,” said Mr. Babu.
According to the police, the explosives were illegally stored at the building located on a 10-cent land. “The landowner is a woman and we have not yet arrested her. The accused have no licence to keep the explosive items,” said Mr. Babu.