Blast during fireworks production; deceased identified as Muhammad Asham: No political connection to Kannapuram explosion

KANNUR: Police have concluded that the massive explosion that took place in a rented house in Keezhara, Kannapuram, which resulted in the tragic death of one person, was caused by the manufacture of fireworks. The accident was caused by a cache of explosives stored in the rented house. The police have clarified that the explosion has no political connection. The incident took place at around 1.50 am yesterday. The deceased was identified as Muhammed Asham (54), a native of Chalad. His body was in a dismembered state. He is the brother-in-law of Anoop Malik, a native of Alavil, Kannur, who rented the house. Anoop Malik was arrested by the police from Kanhangad.

The house was completely destroyed in the explosion. Four nearby houses were also damaged. Unexploded fireworks were found in the destroyed house. Two people, including Mohammed Asham, were living in a rented house owned by retired teacher Govindan of Keezhara. The Kannapuram police and a fire force team from Taliparamba retrieved the body. Mohammed Asham's body was shifted to the Kannur Government Medical College morgue. The Kannapuram police registered a case against Anoop Malik on the complaint of his neighbour, KV Sureshkumar.

Anoop a former accused

In 2016, five people, including Anoop Malik's wife Rahila, daughter Hiba and neighbours, were injured in a nighttime explosion in the two-story house where Anoop and his family lived in Rajendranagar Colony, Podikundu, Kannur. The two-story house was completely destroyed. 17 nearby houses were also severely damaged. The trial of this explosion is progressing in the Thalassery District Additional Court. Including this case, there are five cases pending against Anoop Malik in Kannur, Valapattanam and Mattannur police stations.