It is suspected that weapons training took place in Pathanapuram Padam village before the incident where explosives used to make bombs were found from the cashew plantation of the forest department.
As per reports, weapons training on the model of the Vagamon terrorist camp was held on January 21 at Thattakudi in the forest area on the border of Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts. Some of the youths arrested in Uttar Pradesh had told police that they had received training from the field.
It is learned that the Tamil Nadu Q Branch and the Central Intelligence Agency, which investigated the matter separately, have reported that a terrorist camp had taken place. Officials from both the agencies had earlier visited the site and prepared the report. Along with Malayalees, people from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are also said to have participated in the camp.
Based on the information provided by the Q branch at the end of March, the state intelligence unit had also reached Thattakudi. However, their investigation found no evidence that the camp took place. The police have decided to investigate the matter further after the explosives were found. Police are investigating phone calls from some people linked to the militant group.
Forest officials found two gelatin sticks, four detonators, batteries, cut wires and glue in the field Monday. On Tuesday, explosives were found in the Konni forest area. The Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and intelligence agencies visited the spot on Tuesday.
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