Blast in Kannapuram; Anoop Malik held while trying to enter Karnataka, evidence to be collected today

KANNUR: Anoop Malik of Alavil in Kannur, nabbed in the blast case at a rented house at Keezhara in Kannapuram, will be taken to the spot for collecting evidence. Anoop had taken the house for rent.

The blast occurred at around 1.50 am on Saturday. One identified as Muhammed Asham (54) of Chalad had lost his life. His body was in a dismembered state. He is Anoop Malik's brother-in-law. The house was completely destroyed in the blast. Four houses nearby were also damaged. Unexploded bombs were found in the destroyed house. Two including Muhammed Asham, lived in the house owned by Govindan, a retired teacher, in Keezhara. The body was taken out by the Kannapuram police and the fire force team from Taliparamba.

A search for him started when it was learned that Anoop had taken the house for rent. He was arrested in the evening. He was nabbed while trying to enter Karnataka. Anoop's arrest was recorded at night. He is presently being grilled at Kannapuram station.

Anoop will be produced in the court today. He is believed to have high influence. It is also being investigated whether he handed over the explosives to anyone. The investigation of the case will be taken up by the district crime branch.

Anoop has been accused in blast cases before. In 2016, an explosion occurred in the two-storied house where Anoop and his family lived in Rajendra Nagar Colony at Podikundu in Kannur. Five including Anoop’s wife Rahila, daughter Hiba, and neighbors, were injured in the explosion. The two-storied house was completely destroyed. 17 nearby houses were also severely damaged. The trial of this case is progressing in the Thalassery District Additional Court. There are five cases pending against Anoop Malik in Kannur, Valapattanam and Mattannur police stations. The investigation has been handed over to the district crime branch after finding Anoop as a habitual offender.