Kannur explosion; accused remanded
Forensic experts visit area, evidence collected.
KANNUR: Police is on high alert after the explosion in Kannur that ripped through a two-storied house in Kannur on Thursday night. The main accused, Anup Malik, who had been staying in the rented house with a woman and her daughter, was arrested and remanded in custody until April 8.
Police is also probing the possibility of keeping explosives in unsuspected areas, ahead of election campaigns, considering the political sensitivity of the district. Forensic experts on Saturday visited the spot and collected evidence.
The house was rented in the name of Rahil, a divorcee, with whom Anup had been staying. She was also injured in the explosion while Anup was away. Rahil’s daughter Hiba (14) was severely injured and is in the intensive care unit of a hospital.
The mother could not be interrogated properly, considering the condition of her daughter. Their three neighbours were also hurt, but with minor injuries. The house was located at Rajendra Nagar Colony in Podikundu. The walls of around ten nearby houses were damaged by the impact of the explosion.
A car parked on the premises of the house was also damaged. During the interrogation, police found that the explosives were kept for fireworks of temple festivals.
Police said he had been making explosive without a licence. There is already a case in his name at Valapattanam police station for keeping unregistered explosives. However, the neighbours were unaware of his activities.
It is also suspected that Anup took the house in the name of Rahil to avoid him
being spotted.