Rajasthan police seize 150 kg explosive ammonium nitrate ahead of new year

Rajasthan Police have seized 150 kilograms of explosive-grade ammonium nitrate from a car on the Tonk–Jaipur National Highway (NH-52), heightening security concerns ahead of the New Year. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the District Special Team intercepted a Maruti Ciaz within the Baroni police station limits of Tonk district.

The ammonium nitrate was found concealed in urea fertilizer sacks during the search. Police also recovered 200 explosive cartridges and around 1,100 metres of safety fuse wire from the vehicle.

Two men from Bundi district Surendra Patwa (48) and Surendra Mochi (35) were arrested near the Deoli police station area. Officials said the suspects are being questioned to establish the source of the explosive material, its intended destination and the purpose for which it was being transported.

Although Tonk is an inland district and not located near the India–Pakistan international border, officials noted that Rajasthan’s status as a border state makes the illegal movement of large quantities of explosive material particularly sensitive from a security standpoint.

Investigators are examining whether the seized material was meant for illegal mining activities in the Aravalli hills, where ammonium nitrate is often misused. The seizure has also drawn attention in the backdrop of a recent car blast incident in Delhi involving similar materials. Police have clarified that no confirmed terror link has been established so far , and that the investigation is continuing to determine the exact motive behind the transportation of the explosives.