20,000 Detonators Seized in Adilabad, Seven Arrested in Major Explosives Haul
Police in Adilabad district intercepted a major consignment of explosives being smuggled into Telangana, recovering 20,000 electronic detonators and 90 boosters worth over Rs 19 lakh during a routine vehicle check. Seven persons were arrested on the spot, and two others have been booked in connection with the case.
The seizure took place near the Pipparwada toll plaza in Jainath mandal on Wednesday evening. Adilabad district superintendent of police Akhil Mahajan confirmed that police flagged down two vehicles during a routine inspection and discovered the explosives concealed inside. The total value of the seizure, excluding the two vehicles confiscated, is estimated at around Rs 20 lakh. Six mobile phones were also seized from the accused.
Por que importa
How the smuggling operation was uncovered
According to SP Mahajan, the accused had sourced the explosives through a man identified as Ravi Kumar from Uttar Pradesh. Investigators found that the group had obtained bills from a company based in Uttar Pradesh in the names of other individuals to mask the transaction. The electronic detonators were hidden inside booster boxes to avoid detection during transport. The group had travelled to Uttar Pradesh in two vehicles to collect the consignment and was returning to Telangana when police intercepted them near the toll plaza.
Police suspect the explosives were intended for illegal sale to mines, quarries and stone crushers operating across the state, where such materials are in high demand but require proper licences and permissions. Selling explosives without authorisation is a criminal offence under the Explosives Act.
Contexto
Details of the arrested persons
A case has been registered at Jainath police station against nine individuals. The seven arrested persons have been identified as Chepyala Parashuram (30), Vallepu Teja (23), Kadam Shravan (36), Kasturi Sunil (26), Sura Ranjith (25), Kasturi Madhu Kiran (28) and Pagala Sampath Reddy (52). Two others, Mohammed Wahid and Ravi Kumar, have also been booked in the case and are being traced.
Police are investigating how the explosives were procured, who the intended buyers were, and whether a larger supply network exists. Preliminary questioning revealed that the accused planned to resell the detonators and boosters at inflated prices to unlicensed mining and crushing operations.
Que sigue
What this means for Hyderabad and Telangana
The seizure highlights the ongoing challenge of illegal explosives trafficking into Telangana, particularly from states with less stringent regulation. Unlicensed explosives in the hands of quarry and stone-crusher operators pose a serious public safety risk, especially in peri-urban areas around Hyderabad where such operations are common. The Adilabad district, which shares borders with Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, is a known transit route for contraband entering Telangana.
SP Mahajan warned that transporting, storing or selling explosives without the required licences and permissions is a criminal offence and said strict action would be taken against those involved in such activities. He urged the public to report any suspicious movement of goods or vehicles to the local police.
Key facts at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Pipparwada toll plaza, Jainath mandal, Adilabad district |
| Seized items | 20,000 electronic detonators, 90 boosters |
| Estimated value | Over Rs 19 lakh (detonators) + Rs 15,000 (boosters) |
| Arrests | 7 arrested, 2 booked (fugitive) |
Ongoing investigation
Police are now working to trace the source company in Uttar Pradesh and verify the authenticity of the bills produced by the accused. Investigators are also examining the six seized mobile phones for call records and messages that could reveal the intended buyers and the broader network. The two vehicles used for transport have been impounded and will be subject to forensic examination.
Residents in areas near stone quarries and crusher units are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the local police station. The Hyderabad City Police and Cyberabad Police have been alerted about possible links to operations in the Greater Hyderabad region.
Source: Times of India – Hyderabad – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/major-explosives-haul-20000-detonators-seized-in-adilabad-7-held/articleshow/134974795.cms