Nagaur Police Seize Massive 10,000 Kg Explosive Cache in Pre-Republic Day Operation
In a significant security intervention just ahead of Republic Day celebrations, Nagaur police have executed a major operation under the Explosives Act, confiscating nearly 10,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and other explosive materials from a farmhouse. The operation resulted in the arrest of one individual, with officials describing this as potentially the largest such seizure in the state of Rajasthan to date.
Joint Raid Uncovers Vast Explosive Stockpile
Acting on specific intelligence, a joint team comprising the district special team (DST) and personnel from Thanwala police station conducted a late-night raid on Saturday at a farmhouse situated on agricultural land in Sarhad Harsaur village. During the meticulous operation, law enforcement officials discovered and recovered 187 sacks containing a staggering 9,550 kilograms of ammonium nitrate.
The recovery included substantial quantities of detonators, detonating wires, fuse wires, and other blasting materials commonly utilized in mining activities. The sheer volume and nature of the materials raised immediate security concerns among investigating officers.
Police Officials Highlight Significance of Seizure
Nagaur Superintendent of Police Mridul Kachhawa emphasized the importance of this operation in a statement to news agency PTI. "A major action was carried out by the district police. A very large quantity of explosive material was seized from one location. This is possibly the biggest operation under the Explosives Act in the state so far," he stated, underscoring the scale of the security intervention.
The accused has been identified as Suleman Khan, a 58-year-old resident of Harsaur village, who was apprehended at the scene. Police investigations revealed that Khan had been illegally storing the explosive materials at his farmhouse without proper authorization or safety protocols.
Criminal History and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities disclosed that the accused possesses a criminal history, with three previous cases registered against him under the Explosives Act. While he was acquitted in one of these cases, the pattern of involvement with explosive materials raised red flags during the current investigation.
An officer involved in the probe explained, "A case has been registered against the accused under relevant provisions of the Explosives Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. We are interrogating him to ascertain the source of the explosives, their intended use, and whether there are links to a larger supply network."
Police have not eliminated the possibility that the explosives were being supplied for both legal and illegal mining operations. The massive quantity of ammonium nitrate stored at a single location presented a serious public safety risk, with officials warning that mishandling could have led to catastrophic consequences.
Heightened Security Measures and Central Agency Involvement
Given the sensitivity of the seizure and its timing just before Republic Day celebrations, authorities have implemented enhanced security protocols. Central agencies have been formally notified about the operation and are expected to participate in questioning the accused as part of a broader investigation into the explosives supply network.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to secure sensitive materials and prevent potential security threats during national celebrations. The successful intervention demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing in addressing serious security challenges.
