Pramesh S Jain
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested two persons following the seizure of detonators and other incriminating materials during searches in Koderma district of Jharkhand.
The searches, conducted at four locations in connection with a 2024 motorcycle blast that took place in Saltora area,led the NIA teams to the arrest of accused Mahesh Mehta and Shankar Yadav.
The duo was found actively involved in a criminal conspiracy related to unlawful storage of explosives and their transportation to co-accused,endangering life and property.
Three other accused were earlier arrested and chargesheeted in the case,NIA/DLI,which NIA had registered in October 2024.
During today’s searches,a total of 1,662 illegally hoarded non-electric detonators were seized, along with five digital devices and Rs.16 lakhs in cash.
The case originated from an explosion that had led to the death of one accused,identified as Joydeb Mondal @Bablu Mondal,during illegal transportation of explosives.
During investigation,NIA had subsequently uncovered a criminal conspiracy relating to storage and transport of explosives, procured illegally without a valid license.
The anti-terror agency further found a clandestine network operating the storage and transportation process, along with dangerous and improper handling of the explosives.
NIA is continuing with its investigating to identify the source and intended destination of these explosives.
