Improvised Explosive Device (IED) has become a buzzword on social media after state Kerala DGP Shaik Darvesh Saheb said a blast at a convention centre in Kalamassery that claimed one life and injured 36 others was caused by IED. Reports said the IED in Kalamassery explosion was kept in a tiffin box.

An IED is a homemade or makeshift bomb created and deployed by individuals or groups for destructive purposes. These devices can be hidden in various ways, often in conflict zones or for terrorist activities, and pose significant risks to the safety of people.

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, "IEDs can come in many forms, ranging from a small pipe bomb to a sophisticated device capable of causing massive damage and loss of life. IEDs can be carried or delivered in a vehicle; carried, placed, or thrown by a person; delivered in a package; or concealed on the roadside. 

It may be noted that the term IED came into common usage during the Iraq War that began in 2003. IEDs have been a security concern in India, particularly in areas affected by insurgency, terrorism, and conflict. IED incidents were also in the limelight due to Manipur violence.

Jammu and Kashmir has seen numerous IED attacks by various militant groups over the years. These IEDs are often planted on roads or in vehicles to target security forces. For example, in February 2019, a suicide bomber from the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed attacked a convoy of Indian paramilitary personnel in Pulwama, using a vehicle-borne IED. This attack resulted in a significant loss of life.

In states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, the Maoist insurgency has been associated with the use of IEDs. They often use these devices to target security forces. For instance, in April 2017, a powerful IED blast derailed a passenger train in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh, which was believed to be an act by Maoist rebels.

Various insurgent groups in the northeastern states of India have used IEDs as part of their tactics. These devices have targeted security personnel, as well as civilians. There have been multiple instances of IED explosions in the states of Assam, and Nagaland.

The use of IEDs remains a significant security challenge in various parts of the country, and security forces continue to work to counter this threat.