In a major security operation on New Year’s Eve, Rajasthan Police seized 150 kg of ammonium nitrate and a large cache of explosive material from a car in Tonk district, preventing what officials say could have been a disastrous incident. The haul included 200 high‑intensity explosive cartridges and around 1,100 metres of safety fuse wire, all concealed in sacks labelled as urea fertiliser.
According to Tonk Superintendent of Police Rajesh Meena, the explosives were recovered after the District Special Team (DST) set up a blockade on the Tonk–Jaipur stretch of National Highway‑52 as part of heightened security arrangements for New Year celebrations. Officers intercepted a Maruti Ciaz coming from Bundi towards Tonk and grew suspicious when the occupants appeared nervous and tried to avoid questioning, prompting a thorough search of the vehicle.
Massive Haul Hidden as Fertiliser
When the sacks were opened, investigators discovered that what was claimed to be agricultural fertiliser was actually ammonium nitrate, a widely used industrial explosive ingredient. Alongside the chemical, police found 200 explosive cartridges, six bundles of safety fuse and approximately 1,100 metres of fuse wire – components commonly used for controlled blasts in mining and construction.
Ammonium nitrate, though legal for industrial use, is highly regulated because of its role in several past bombings in India and abroad. Even in its raw form, improper storage or ignition can trigger devastating explosions, making the seizure particularly significant from a public‑safety standpoint.
Two Suspects Arrested
The arrested men were identified as Surendra Patwa, 48, and Surendra Mochi, 33, both residents of Karwar in Bundi district. Initial questioning suggested they were transporting the consignment from Bundi to Tonk, but they gave conflicting explanations about the material’s purpose, at one point insisting it was meant for “agricultural use”.
DST in‑charge Om Prakash Chaudhary said the suspects became visibly anxious when asked detailed questions about their cargo and attempted to flee, confirming officers’ suspicions. The vehicle was impounded, and the duo booked under provisions of the Explosives Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, with further charges likely as the probe progresses.
Possible Links to Illegal Mining
Investigators are examining whether the seized explosives were destined for illegal stone‑mining operations in the Aravalli hills, where ammonium nitrate is frequently misused for unlicensed blasting. Officials note that the seizure comes amid ongoing controversies and crackdowns on Aravalli explosives illegal mining in Rajasthan, particularly in ecologically fragile and revenue‑rich zones.
While Tonk is not located on the India–Pakistan border, Rajasthan’s status as a border state has prompted agencies to treat the case with heightened sensitivity. One line of inquiry also explores any potential terror links, given the quantity and configuration of the explosive materials, though no concrete evidence has surfaced so far.
#Rajasthan Police seized 150 kg of Explosives{Ammonium Nitrate}
Central Agencies Step In
In view of the seriousness of the case, central agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) have joined the probe to trace the supply chain and end‑users of the ammonium nitrate. Investigators are mapping financial transactions, phone records and previous criminal histories of the accused to identify possible networks involved in sourcing, transporting and distributing explosives.
Specialised forensic teams are analysing samples of the seized material to confirm composition, grade and potential blast yield, information that will help determine whether the consignment was tailored for mining, construction or more sinister purposes. Authorities say the probe could expand beyond Rajasthan if evidence of an inter‑state network emerges.
Heightened Security Ahead of Festivities
The seizure triggered a security alert across Rajasthan, with police intensifying highway checks, especially on routes connecting mining belts and industrial clusters. Additional barricades, drone surveillance and random vehicle inspections have been ordered in Tonk, Bundi and neighbouring districts to pre‑empt any attempt to move illegal explosives during New Year events.
Senior officers have also directed district units to verify licences of quarry operators and explosive dealers, ensure proper accounting of stocks and act swiftly against violations. Residents have been urged to report suspicious vehicle movements or storage of chemical sacks in unusual locations, reinforcing community participation in internal security.
A Wake‑Up Call on Explosive Control
Experts say the Tonk haul underscores gaps in monitoring the production, transport and end‑use of ammonium nitrate in India, despite previous incidents involving the chemical. They argue that robust tracking systems, GPS‑linked permits and stricter audits of industrial buyers are essential to prevent diversion of explosive materials into illegal hands. For in-depth report read here.
As the investigation continues, the Tonk seizure stands as a stark reminder of the risks posed by clandestine explosive movements and the critical role of vigilant policing. For now, Rajasthan Police’s swift action has averted what could have been a catastrophic start to the New Year, reinforcing the need for constant vigilance on the country’s highways and in its mining belts.
For wider context on policing, mining crackdowns and governance, explore the latest reports in our Rajasthan news section.
