The recovery of explosive materials from Theruvamparamba near Nadapuram on Tuesday confirmed the fears of the police that bomb-making by political workers is rampant in these areas even after the accident that killed five youth.
A joint team of the bomb squad and the flying squad of the police unearthed explosive materials weighing 8.5 kg from a culvert. The materials, including sulphur, gun powder and potassium nitrate, were concealed in plastic covers.
Police had recovered country bombs of different varieties in the intensive raids conducted after the blast on February 27 in which five workers of the Indian Union Muslim League were killed at Narikkatteri. Powerful 'steel bombs' were also recovered from Kummankode area two days ago.
“We don't think the blast has deterred the cadres of the CPM and the IUML from continuing the practice of bomb-making,” said a police officer.
“Similar incidents, though not in the same scale, had happened in many parts of North Kerala. But we find no let up in parties stockpiling explosives.”
Bombs have become an 'essential weapon' for the major political parties in Nadapuram and surrounding areas in their attempt to outwit their rivals.
“There are people in CPI (M) and the IUML who are specially trained to manufacture bombs,” said a police officer.
“Uninhabited houses in remote areas are being used as 'factories' for making the explosives. Accidents occur either when the workers make bombs or transport them.”
Interestingly, the CPI (M) has decided to raise the issue of 'bomb culture' in the ensuing Assembly elections though it is well known that its workers too are involved in the clandestine manufacture of explosives.