Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Dec 31: In a significant security crackdown, Rajasthan Police in Tonk district intercepted a car carrying a large cache of illegally transported explosives, seizing 150 kg of ammonium nitrate and arresting two men, officials said on Wednesday.
The operation was carried out near Chirauj village on National Highway-52 under the Baroni police station limits. Police said the accused had hidden the explosive material inside sacks of urea fertiliser in an attempt to avoid detection. Initial questioning suggested that the consignment was meant for delivery within Tonk district.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Mrityunjay Mishra said the recovered ammonium nitrate was substantial enough to trigger a major blast, underscoring the seriousness of the case. He added that investigators are now probing the origin of the explosives and their intended purpose.
District Special Team in-charge Omprakash Chaudhary said the seizure followed a highway roadblock set up as part of routine checks. Around 9 a.m., a Ciaz car travelling from Bundi to Tonk raised suspicion due to the fertiliser sacks it was carrying. When police signalled the vehicle to stop, the occupants allegedly tried to escape towards Chirauj village, prompting a chase. The car was eventually intercepted on the outskirts of the village.
The arrested men were identified as Surendra (48) and Surendra Mochi (33), both residents of Karwar in Bundi district. During a detailed search of the vehicle, police recovered the ammonium nitrate concealed in four sacks, along with 200 explosive cartridges, six bundles of safety fuse wire and nearly 1,100 metres of wire.
Officials said efforts are under way to trace the supply chain and determine whether the explosives were meant for criminal or terror-related activities.
In a separate but related incident earlier this week, police in Rajsamand district seized another consignment of explosive material and arrested two people. The seizure took place at Trinetra Circle under the Shrinathji police station area, where a numberless Tata 407 truck travelling from Amet to Nathdwara was stopped during routine checks.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Shipra Rajawat said the vehicle was found carrying a large quantity of detonators, gelatin sticks and other explosive materials. The occupants failed to produce valid transport permits, leading to the arrest of Himmat Singh (30) and Bhagwat Singh (25). Investigations are ongoing to establish the source and intended use of the seized explosives.