Daijiworld Media Network - Kannur

Kannur, Aug 30: A powerful explosion in a rented house in Keezhara, a village in Kerala's Kannur district, has resulted in one fatality and left the community reeling.

The blast, which occurred on a Saturday, was so intense that it shattered the building, scattering debris and body parts of the victim, and caused significant damage to nearby homes. Initial investigations point toward the illegal manufacturing of country-made bombs, as firecracker production was quickly ruled out due to the absence of a license.

The bomb squad also recovered unexploded crude bombs from the site, reinforcing the suspicion of illicit activity.

The house's tenant, Anoop, a known supplier of fireworks who was also an accused in a similar case in 2016, is under investigation. Authorities believe the deceased was one of his workers. Local residents described hearing a massive sound at 2 a.m., rushing to find the house in rubble.

They also reported frequent, late-night visits to the house by people on two-wheelers, a detail that now raises suspicion. The incident has once again highlighted the recurring issue of illegal bomb-making in Kannur, a district with a history of politically-linked violence.