New Year’s Eve security operations in Rajasthan led to the interception of an illegal explosive transport attempt after police stopped a Maruti Ciaz car carrying a large quantity of dangerous materials in Tonk district on Wednesday.
Authorities confirmed that 150 kg of illegally sourced ammonium nitrate was concealed inside bags of urea fertiliser in a Maruti Ciaz, alongside 200 explosive cartridges and six bundles of safety fuse wire measuring approximately 1,100 metres. The police acted on intelligence indicating a planned supply route from Bundi to Tonk, triggering a blockade that resulted in the vehicle being stopped and searched.
Two men, identified as Surendra Mochi and Surendra Patwa, were arrested at the scene and are currently being interrogated. Deputy Superintendent of Police Mrityunjay Mishra stated that investigators are examining all angles related to the supply chain, intended usage, and possible networks connected to the transport attempt.
Ammonium nitrate, a white crystalline compound commonly used for agricultural purposes, has been misused in several high-casualty explosions in the region in recent months, including a major blast near Delhi’s Red Fort last month that killed 15 people. Post-incident assessments from that explosion indicated improper IED assembly, causing premature detonation.
Additional regional security alerts were raised earlier this week when 2,900 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, were recovered 50 km away in Faridabad, Haryana, adding to the climate of heightened vigilance across North India.
Rajasthan Police have not confirmed any intended target or motive at this stage, but senior officers have indicated that all possible linkages, buyers, and operational intent behind the transport are under active investigation.
