Rajasthan Police seize car carrying 150 kg ammonium nitrate ahead of New Year

Officials said a Maruti Ciaz vehicle was stopped in the Baroni police station area following a specific intelligence tip-off.

During the search, police recovered nearly 150 kilograms of illegal ammonium nitrate concealed inside bags of urea fertiliser. 

The vehicle was also found to be carrying around 200 explosive cartridges and six bundles of safety fuse wire measuring approximately 1,100 metres.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the explosive materials were allegedly being transported from Bundi to Tonk for supply.

Two individuals — identified as Surendra Mochi and Surendra Patwa — have been arrested in connection with the case.

The vehicle used for transporting the explosives has been seized.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Mrityunjay Mishra confirmed the recovery, stating that the operation was launched swiftly after actionable intelligence was received.

He said the investigation is examining all possible angles, including whether the explosives were intended for illegal activities such as unauthorised mining or other unlawful purposes.

Authorities are also verifying the source of the ammonium nitrate and the intended end-users.

Both accused are currently being questioned, and further arrests have not been ruled out.

The seizure comes amid heightened nationwide alert following a deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort last month, where ammonium nitrate was used along with other high-grade explosives. 

That explosion claimed 15 lives, and investigators later indicated that the suicide bomber may have assembled the improvised explosive device incorrectly, triggering the blast prematurely.

The Rajasthan recovery also coincides with another significant seizure earlier the same day, when nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosives — including ammonium nitrate — were recovered from Haryana’s Faridabad, located about 50 kilometres from the national capital.

Several individuals, including doctors from Jammu and Kashmir, have been arrested in that case.

Security agencies have intensified surveillance and checks across multiple states amid concerns over the illegal circulation of explosive materials during the festive period.