Man held for possession of 22 country-made explosives in Ranipet

A 20-year-old tribal, who belongs to the Irula community, was arrested by the Forest Department in Ranipet on Friday for possession of 22 country-made explosives.

Forest officials identified the arrested person as V. Devak Kumar, a resident of Irular colony near Arcot town. Initial inquiry revealed that a team of forest officials were on patrol in Pakkiri reserve forests near Kaveripakkam village, when they intercepted Kumar.

Upon inquiry, Kumar took the team to a hideout spot where he had stored country-made explosives for allegedly hunting small wild animals.

Based on a complaint by forest officials, a case was registered by Kaveripakkam police. Later, Kumar was lodged in Central Prison in Vellore. A probe is under way.