Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, March 2: The body of a 60-year-old truck driver from Kerala, found near explosive materials and batteries at Sirumalai in Dindigul, has been identified, with preliminary investigations indicating his death was accidental, police officials confirmed.
The deceased, identified as John Shabu, a resident of Kottayam in Kerala, had transported explosives intended for agricultural purposes. Investigators suspect that Shabu lost his life while testing the explosives on Thursday night, triggering an unintended explosion. Authorities found batteries, wires, and mobile phone chargers alongside his body on the ghat road at Sirumalai.
A special police team from Dindigul conducted thorough investigations in Kerala, meeting with Shabu's friends and relatives in Kottayam. Their inquiries yielded no adverse or suspicious information about Shabu. According to an official statement released late on March 1, Shabu was also known locally for leasing orchards and agricultural estates as part of his business activities.
An autopsy conducted at the Dindigul Government Medical College Hospital further supported the accidental explosion theory. Doctors confirmed that Shabu succumbed to injuries caused by the blast. Following completion of medical procedures, authorities have handed over the body to his wife.
Meanwhile, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed serious concern about the incident. On Saturday, Palaniswami urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to expedite the investigation and take immediate action. Highlighting the discovery of batteries, wires, and explosives at the location, Palaniswami raised suspicions about possible extremist involvement. He strongly condemned the incident, claiming it indicated a deterioration in law and order conditions within the state.
Local police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accidental blast, with no indications yet supporting any extremist activity or intentional foul play.
The deceased, identified as John Shabu, a resident of Kottayam in Kerala, had transported explosives intended for agricultural purposes. Investigators suspect that Shabu lost his life while testing the explosives on Thursday night, triggering an unintended explosion. Authorities found batteries, wires, and mobile phone chargers alongside his body on the ghat road at Sirumalai.
A special police team from Dindigul conducted thorough investigations in Kerala, meeting with Shabu's friends and relatives in Kottayam. Their inquiries yielded no adverse or suspicious information about Shabu. According to an official statement released late on March 1, Shabu was also known locally for leasing orchards and agricultural estates as part of his business activities.
An autopsy conducted at the Dindigul Government Medical College Hospital further supported the accidental explosion theory. Doctors confirmed that Shabu succumbed to injuries caused by the blast. Following completion of medical procedures, authorities have handed over the body to his wife.
Meanwhile, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami expressed serious concern about the incident. On Saturday, Palaniswami urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin to expedite the investigation and take immediate action. Highlighting the discovery of batteries, wires, and explosives at the location, Palaniswami raised suspicions about possible extremist involvement. He strongly condemned the incident, claiming it indicated a deterioration in law and order conditions within the state.
Local police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accidental blast, with no indications yet supporting any extremist activity or intentional foul play.
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