Police in Tonk, Rajasthan, intercepted a vehicle on Wednesday and recovered a large cache of explosives, officials said, in an operation carried out on the basis of specific intelligence and timed amid heightened security for New Year celebrations.
Rajasthan explosives seizure: what investigators found
Law enforcement officers stopped a Maruti Ciaz in the Baroni police station area and discovered nearly 150 kilograms of ammonium nitrate concealed inside sacks of urea fertiliser. Investigators also recovered roughly 200 explosive cartridges and six bundles of safety fuse wire measuring about 1,100 metres.
Two men, identified by police as Surendra Mochi and Surendra Patwa, were taken into custody at the scene. The vehicle used to transport the materials has been seized and is being examined for further evidence. Officials said preliminary enquiries indicate the consignment was being moved from Bundi to Tonk for onward supply.
Confirming the seizure, Mrityunjay Mishra said the operation was swiftly executed following actionable intelligence and that teams were now questioning the accused to determine the intended use of the explosives. Investigators are exploring multiple lines of inquiry, including whether the material was destined for unlawful activities such as illegal mining or to be assembled into improvised explosive devices.
Ammonium nitrate, a white crystalline compound widely used as a fertiliser, has been implicated in recent high‑profile incidents. Authorities noted that a similar compound was among the materials used in the explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort last month, which killed 15 people. That attack is the subject of an ongoing investigation into how the device was assembled.
The Tonk recovery follows a separate operation earlier this month in Faridabad, where nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosives were seized, roughly 50 kilometres from the national capital. Taken together, the recent recoveries have prompted increased vigilance among security agencies and local police forces as they work to safeguard public events and infrastructure.
Officials emphasised the importance of intelligence‑led policing in preventing potential attacks and targeting the supply chains that move hazardous materials. “This was a targeted operation following a specific tip‑off,” Mrityunjay Mishra said. “We are examining every angle to establish the intended use of these explosives and to identify any wider network involved.”
Authorities are expected to carry out forensic tests on the recovered materials and the vehicle to trace the origin of the consignment and any links to criminal groups. Legal proceedings against the two arrested men will follow once investigators complete the initial questioning and file formal charges.
Local officials urged calm and said there was no immediate indication of an imminent threat to the public following the seizure. Security agencies, however, said they would maintain high alert levels through the holiday period and coordinate with neighbouring districts to monitor the movement of hazardous materials and rule out further risks.
As enquiries continue, the Tonk operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges posed by the illicit movement of explosive materials and the role of proactive policing in preventing harm.
Key Takeaways:
- Rajasthan explosives seizure: Police intercepted a Maruti Ciaz in Tonk and recovered nearly 150 kg of ammonium nitrate concealed in urea bags.
- Officers also found about 200 explosive cartridges and roughly 1,100 metres of safety fuse; two suspects arrested at the scene.
- Authorities say the vehicle was likely transporting the consignment from Bundi to Tonk; investigators are probing links to illegal mining and recent blasts.
