11 spl teams to nab jeep explosion accused: Police

Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, Apr 8 (UNI) The police have formed 11 special teams to nab two persons absconding in the jeep explosion case which killed 16 people yesterday at Chendur Village, top officials said.

Addressing the press here, Villupuram DIG G K Vanniyaperumal and SP K Periayya expressed the hope that the owner of the godown Sekar and his employee Shanmugham would be nabbed soon.

They said the explosives were loaded in the jeep at the Pathirapuliyur Godown at around 1100 hrs. The explosion occurred at 1120 hrs killing 16 people, including driver Babu and Loadmen Balaram and Kumar.

All bodies except one had been identified, senior police officials said.

Speaking to the press, Annamalai and Nagappan, who were arrested in the case, said the consignment comprised 200 kg slurry explosives, 350 fuses and 150 detonators.

The explosives were meant for three consignees near Tindivanam.

The duo said it was usual for them to transport 100 kg explosives daily and they had been doing it for the past ten years.

Yesterday, they heard a huge blast while sitting in their office at Thennalapakkam and rushed to Tindivanam only to find that the disaster had already struck.

The duo immediately tried to contact Babu. However, his mobile was switched off. Fearing for their life, they escaped from the scene.

UNI