The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday carried out coordinated search operations at 19 locations across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu as part of its ongoing investigation into the seizure of illegal explosives in Kerala's Malappuram district.

According to officials, the searches are aimed at tracing the source of the explosives, identifying the supply chain, and uncovering the network involved in the storage and transportation of the materials. The operation forms part of a larger effort to determine how the explosives were procured and moved across different states.

The case relates to the recovery of a large quantity of unauthorised explosive materials from Malappuram. The seizure raised serious concerns among investigators over the possible misuse of the explosives and the security risks associated with their illegal possession.

Given the seriousness of the case, the NIA had taken over the investigation from the Kerala Police earlier this year. Since then, the agency has been examining various aspects of the case to identify those responsible for the procurement, storage, and distribution of the explosives.

The searches began early on Saturday and were conducted simultaneously at residential and commercial premises linked to suspects believed to have connections with the seized materials. Investigators are focusing on individuals who may have played a role in the procurement and movement of the explosives.

The agency is also working to establish whether there are links between the suspects and any organised groups operating across state borders. Officials believe the investigation could reveal a wider network involved in the illegal trade and transportation of explosive materials.

Preliminary findings suggest that the explosives may have been sourced and transported through a network spread across southern states. This has prompted the NIA to expand the scope of its probe and examine possible inter-state connections linked to the case.

Investigators are further looking into whether the seized materials were intended for unlawful activities or were part of an illegal trade network. The agency is carefully examining all available leads to determine the intended use of the explosives and identify any individuals involved in such activities.

During the raids, search teams inspected multiple locations and collected evidence that could help advance the investigation. Officials scrutinised documents, digital devices, and other materials that may provide crucial information about the origin, movement, and distribution of the explosives.

The NIA, India's premier counter-terrorism investigative agency, has stepped up efforts in recent months to crack down on illegal arms and explosives networks. The agency has been paying particular attention to cases involving inter-state operations, with a focus on preventing the misuse of explosives and dismantling organised supply chains operating across different regions.