A major security scare surfaced on New Year’s Eve after Tonk police arrested two men and seized 150 kg of explosives from their car in Rajasthan, PTI reported. The District Special Team (DST) carried out the operation on Wednesday based on specific intelligence inputs.
Police identified the arrested men as Surendra Patwa and Surendra Mochi, both residents of Bundi district. DSP Mrityunjay Mishra said the DST intercepted their car in the Baroni police station area. During the search, officers recovered around 150 kg of ammonium nitrate hidden inside sacks of urea fertiliser.
The officer said the accused were transporting the explosive material from Bundi to Tonk for supply.
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Large haul of explosives and detonators recovered
Police also seized 200 cartridges and six bundles of safety fuse wire measuring nearly 1,100 metres. Officers impounded the car used to transport the material. According to police, the team acted swiftly after receiving precise inputs, which helped avert a possible threat.
Officials said they are questioning the accused to determine the source and intended use of the explosives. Investigators are also probing possible links to illegal activities, including unauthorised mining.
Ammonium nitrate is a white crystalline chemical commonly used as fertiliser. However, it can turn deadly when misused. The chemical was recently used along with high-grade explosives in a blast near Delhi’s Red Fort. The explosion killed at least 12 people and injured several others. Investigators had earlier said the accused bomber may have assembled the improvised explosive device improperly, triggering the blast.
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