5 killed in country bomb explosion

While three died on the spot on Saturday night, two succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital on Sunday morning, they added. 

The explosion occurred at an uninhabited plot at Narikkattiri in Nadapuram, police said further.

The three injured are being treated in different hospitals, in which two of them are said to be in serious condition.

The deceased had been identified as Riyaz, Shamir, Shabir, Shabil and Rafeeq, hailing from the Nadapuram region. All the victims were involved in manufacturing the bombs when the explosion occurred.

Top police officials visited the explosion site and widespread raids had been launched in surrounding areas in the wake of the incident, police said.

Nadapuram and surrounding areas have been witnessing an uneasy calm amid continuing political tension between IUML and CPM workers since the violent clashes during the local bodies elections in October last year and post-poll incidents.

Of the 15 cases registered in Nadapuram police station in connection with the violence in recent times, eight related to bomb throwing attacks, police said.

On February 20, police recovered nine steel bombs, concealed in a bucket, at Chelakkad in Nadapuram.