Orumanayur, a locality near Guruvayoor in Thrissur district, witnessed a bomb blast on the afternoon of June 30. The explosion, occurring on the wayside, reverberated loudly through the area. Initial investigations suggest that the explosive device, comprised of gunpowder mixed with glass pieces and crushed quartz stones, was designed to inflict maximum damage. One Abdul Shafiq (32) has been arrested. He has been accused of at least twenty criminal cases, including bomb-making and was also charged under the Goonda Act meant for suppressing goons. He reportedly admitted, during the interrogation, that he learned to make explosives from jail-mates. He is considered a habitual offender since 2009. He claimed, during the interrogation, that he made the explosive devices for ‘self defence’. He did not reportedly hesitate to boast that he was proving that he could kill the people with them. Intelligence Bureau officials interrogated him, too.
Police stated that there was no political link to the incident. Police believe that the device was in Shafiq’s custody when it exploded. People crowded immediately after hearing the explosion and saw thick smoke there. Reports suggest that he came to Orumanayoor and settled there two years before; he was originally from Mannuthy, Thrissur, district.
Police and Bomb Squads still carry out investigations. Even though prima facie there is no link visible between the explosion and terrorism, people are still sceptical about the incident.
