Police uncover an alleged illegal bomb and firearm manufacturing network in Uttara Kannada while investigating the Tumakuru car blast case linked to the prime accused
The investigation into the recent Tumakuru car blast case has led Karnataka Police to uncover an alleged illegal network involved in the manufacture and supply of crude bombs and illegal firearms in Uttara Kannada district. Three suspects have been taken into custody, while multiple police teams are investigating the suspected supply chain, illegal wildlife hunting links, and the wider criminal network behind the operation.
Karwar: A major breakthrough in the investigation into the Tumakuru car blast case has reportedly exposed an extensive illegal bomb and firearm manufacturing network operating in parts of Uttara Kannada district. Police have detained three suspects from Ankola and Honnavar, while special investigation teams continue to probe the alleged supply chain of crude bombs, petrol bombs and illegal firearms.
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The latest development emerged during the investigation into the Tumakuru blast involving the prime accused, Nagendra Gowda. According to investigators, the probe has uncovered suspected illegal manufacturing units hidden in forested areas of Uttara Kannada, raising serious concerns over organised criminal activity in the region.
Police officials said the investigation has expanded significantly beyond the original blast case after evidence pointed towards a wider network allegedly involved in manufacturing and supplying crude explosive devices.
Investigators have so far questioned more than 60 individuals across Uttara Kannada district as part of the ongoing probe.
Three suspects have been taken into custody. Two of them are residents of Saralabail village in Ankola taluk, while the third is from Chandavar village in Honnavar taluk. According to police, one of the detained individuals is a close relative of the prime accused, while another is believed to be his close associate.
The suspects are currently being interrogated, and investigators are examining their alleged role in manufacturing, transporting and supplying explosive materials.
"Police have expanded the investigation after the Tumakuru blast probe allegedly revealed links to a wider illegal bomb manufacturing network in Uttara Kannada."
To trace the origin of the explosives and identify the key operators behind the alleged network, Karnataka Police have constituted three separate investigation teams.
The teams comprise officers from the Tumakuru Police, Ankola Circle Police Inspector (CPI) unit, and Gokarna CPI unit, who are jointly conducting coordinated searches across forest regions and other suspected locations.
Officials are also verifying whether the network extends beyond Uttara Kannada and if additional individuals were involved in supplying explosive materials.
Investigators claim the prime accused adopted unusual methods while allegedly procuring explosive materials to avoid leaving a digital trail.
According to preliminary findings, the accused reportedly avoided communicating through mobile phones while dealing with suppliers and instead preferred meeting them in person. Police believe this was intended to prevent investigators from tracing conversations through call records or electronic communication.
Authorities are examining additional evidence to verify these findings.
Police suspect that crude explosive devices were being illegally manufactured in remote forest areas of Yellapur and Haliyal taluks.
According to investigators, these devices were allegedly sold for prices ranging between ₹100 and ₹300, with the explosive strength varying depending on the quantity of nitrate-based chemicals used during preparation.
Officials are investigating the source of raw materials and whether the manufacturing units were supplying explosives to multiple districts.
"Investigators suspect crude explosive devices were being sold at extremely low prices through an organised illegal network."
Police are also investigating allegations that the crude bombs and illegal firearms were being used for wildlife poaching.
According to investigators, crude explosive devices were allegedly concealed inside pieces of meat and placed near forest boundaries to target wild boars. Police claim the explosives would detonate when the animal bit into the bait, resulting in fatal injuries.
Investigators further suspect that the illegally hunted meat was sold through unauthorised channels, though officials are continuing to verify the extent of the alleged operation.
Authorities are also examining allegations that petrol bombs were used for illegal fishing by detonating explosive devices in water bodies, causing fish to float to the surface for collection.
In addition, police suspect that illegally possessed country-made firearms were being used to hunt protected wildlife, including wild boar, deer and other animals. During recent raids, investigators reportedly found evidence suggesting that some weapons had been hidden underground in agricultural fields and plantations to evade detection.
Police have intensified searches across Uttara Kannada to identify others allegedly involved in the manufacturing, storage and distribution of crude bombs and illegal firearms.
Officials said forensic experts, bomb disposal personnel and wildlife crime investigators are assisting in the investigation. Further arrests are expected if additional evidence establishes links to the alleged network.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not ruled out the possibility of uncovering a larger interstate supply chain as the probe progresses.
