The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched an inquiry into the discovery of 150 kg of ammonium nitrate, an explosive substance, found in a car in Tonk district, Rajasthan. A team from NIA arrived in Tonk and commenced interrogating the suspects linked to the seizure. Two individuals, Surendra and Surendra Mochi from Chironj village, were apprehended by the District Special Team (DST) in connection with the case.
Security measures were heightened in the district following the recovery of the explosive material. Apart from NIA, teams from the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have also questioned the suspects as part of a joint investigation. Investigators are trying to ascertain the purpose behind transporting such a large quantity of explosives and are exploring whether the ammonium nitrate had been distributed to other locations or individuals.
Authorities are also looking into the possibility that the ammonium nitrate was intended for illegal mining activities in the Tonk hills, as the chemical is often misused for such purposes. The DST found a significant amount of explosive material in the suspects’ vehicle, which was camouflaged as urea fertilizer. The recovered items included 150 kg of ammonium nitrate, 200 highly hazardous explosive cartridges, safety fuse wire bundles, and wire measuring around 1,100 meters.
A comprehensive investigation is ongoing, with various central and state agencies collaborating closely to trace the origin, network, and planned use of the seized explosives.
