A powerful explosives racket was busted in Rajasthan’s Tonk district on Wednesday (December 31) after a focused operation by the District Special Task Force (DST), resulting in the seizure of a large cache of explosive materials and the arrest of two individuals.
Based on specific intelligence inputs, the DST intercepted a vehicle in the Baroni police station limits and recovered 150 kilograms of ammonium nitrate that was being transported illegally.
Officials said the explosive material had been cleverly concealed inside bags of urea fertiliser, allegedly to avoid detection during transportation.
In addition to the ammonium nitrate, the police also seized 200 high-risk explosive cartridges and 1,100 safety fuse wires, underscoring the magnitude and seriousness of the illegal operation.
The explosives were being carried in a car, which has been taken into police custody.
The two accused arrested in the case were identified as Surendra Patwa and Surendra Mochi, both hailing from Bundi district in Rajasthan.
Initial findings indicate that the duo was supplying explosives from Bundi to Tonk.
However, authorities stated that further investigation is ongoing to trace the exact origin of the explosives, identify the wider network involved in their acquisition, and ascertain the intended purpose of the seized materials.
Confirming the seizure and arrests, DSP Mrityunjay Mishra told news agency ANI, “Explosives were recovered from a Maruti Ciaz vehicle. One hundred and fifty kilograms of ammonium nitrate hidden in sacks of urea were seized.”
He added, “Apart from this, police also recovered 200 explosive batteries and 1,100 metres of wire. Two accused have been arrested—one named Surendra and the other Surendra Mochi.”
“Further investigation is in progress,” he said.
The officer noted that the action was conducted on the basis of precise intelligence inputs and that all possible angles are being thoroughly examined as part of the probe.
Ammonium nitrate is a highly sensitive chemical substance that can be misused to manufacture powerful explosives if accessed by malicious elements.