Vazhakode quarry blast case: four sentenced to six and half years in jail, fined ₹22,000 each

Four persons have been sentenced to a total of six-and-a-half years’ imprisonment under various sections and fined ₹22,000 each in connection with the Vazhakkode quarry blast case. The Wadakkancherry Fast Track Special Court also ordered an additional eight months’ imprisonment in the event of non-payment of the fine.

The sentence was pronounced against Abdul Azeez, Ali Kunju, Aboobacker and Ummar. The first accused in the case, Abdul Noushad, had died in the blast.

The explosion occurred at a quarry at Vazhakkode Valavu, under the Wadakkancherry police station limits, on June 21, 2021. One person was killed and five others sustained serious injuries in the blast.

According to the police investigation, explosive materials from a quarry at Parakkad owned by Noushad had been transported to the Vazhakkode quarry. The explosion occurred while the explosives were being disposed of in an allegedly negligent and unscientific manner.