Two arrested with 150 kg ammonium nitrate in Rajasthan's Tonk

Tonk (Rajasthan), Dec 31: A massive haul of 150 kg of explosives along with 200 cartridges and six bundles of safety fuse wire was seized from a car, police here said on Wednesday.

The police said two people have also been arrested, adding that preliminary investigation has suggested that the explosives were meant for blasting at illegal mining sites in the Aravallis.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain the source, destination, intended use and possible links of the seized explosive material, they said.

The accused have been identified as Surendra Patwa and Surendra Mochi, both residents of Bundi district, the police said.

DSP Tonk City Mrityunjay Mishra said the accused were transporting the explosive material from Bundi to Tonk.

During patrolling on the national highway-52 (Tonk-Jaipur), the accused told police they were carrying fertiliser for agricultural purposes in sacks. However, on inspection, ammonium nitrate was found instead, the DSP said.

In addition to ammonium nitrate, the police seized 200 cartridges and six bundles of safety fuse wire, measuring approximately 1,100 metres. The car used for transporting the material was also seized, the police said.

Mishra said that the operation was carried out promptly after receiving specific intelligence inputs.

The large-scale seizure on New Year's Eve in the region created panic ahead of festivities.

Ammonium nitrate serves as the main ingredient in industrial explosives for blasting rock in open-pit mines, quarries, etc. Because of its high energy potential, the substance is strictly regulated, with strict standards for storage, handling, and transportation. It is often used legally in controlled blasting for mining.