Explosives-Laden Car Seized in Rajasthan’s Tonk on New Year’s Eve, Two Arrested After Police Tip-Off

Tonk | December 31, 2025 A major security scare was averted on New Year’s Eve after police seized a car carrying a large quantity of illegal explosive material in Rajasthan’s Tonk district. Acting on a specific tip-off, the police intercepted a vehicle loaded with 150 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, along with other explosive items, raising serious concerns amid heightened security across the country. According to officials, the explosives were found concealed inside bags of urea fertiliser in a Maruti Ciaz car. The interception took place in the Baroni police station area of Tonk district on Wednesday. Along with the ammonium nitrate, police also recovered around 200 explosive cartridges and six bundles of safety fuse wire measuring nearly 1,100 metres in total. The police arrested two men in connection with the case. They were identified as Surendra Mochi and Surendra Patwa. Officials said the accused were allegedly transporting the explosive materials from Bundi to Tonk for supply. The vehicle used for transporting the explosives was also seized as part of the operation. Deputy Superintendent of Police Mrityunjay Mishra confirmed the seizure and arrests, stating that the action was taken swiftly after receiving intelligence inputs. He said the police are probing all angles to determine the intended use of the explosives. “A major operation was carried out promptly after receiving specific intelligence inputs in which explosives were seized from a vehicle. Two accused have been arrested, and the investigation is being carried out. We are probing all aspects in the case,” he said. Police officials said they are examining whether the explosives were meant for illegal mining activities or if there was any other unlawful purpose behind their transportation. Ammonium nitrate is commonly used as a fertiliser and in authorised mining operations, but its illegal possession and transport pose a serious threat due to its potential misuse in making improvised explosive devices. The seizure has drawn attention because it comes at a sensitive time, with security agencies on high alert following recent incidents involving explosives. Last month, ammonium nitrate was used along with other high-grade explosives in a deadly blast near the Red Fort in Delhi, which claimed the lives of 15 people. Investigators later said the suicide bomber, identified as Umar-un-Nabi, may have assembled the improvised explosive device incorrectly, leading to the powerful explosion. Adding to the concern, another major recovery of explosives was reported on the same day, when nearly 2,900 kilograms of explosive material, including ammonium nitrate, was found about 50 kilometres from the national capital in Haryana’s Faridabad district. That case also led to multiple arrests, including several doctors from Jammu and Kashmir, further highlighting the scale of illegal explosive movement across states. Officials said the recovery in Tonk underscores the importance of intelligence-based policing and coordination between agencies, especially during festive periods when the risk of security threats tends to rise. The police have intensified checks on highways and district borders to prevent the illegal movement of hazardous materials. Residents in the area expressed relief after learning about the seizure, while authorities reassured the public that there was no immediate danger. The police are now tracing the supply chain of the seized explosives to identify where they originated and who was supposed to receive them. Further investigation is underway to establish whether the accused have links to any organised network involved in illegal mining, smuggling, or other criminal activities. Police said more arrests could follow as questioning continues and additional leads are verified. As New Year’s Eve celebrations continue across the country, security agencies remain on alert, stressing that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in the illegal handling or transport of explosive Explosives-Laden Car Seized in Rajasthan’s Tonk on New Year’s Eve, Two Arrested After Police Tip-Off A major security scare was averted on New Year’s Eve after police seized a car carrying a huge quantity of illegal explosive material in Rajasthan’s Tonk district. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police intercepted a Maruti Ciaz in the Baroni police station area and found 150 kg of ammonium nitrate hidden inside bags of urea fertiliser. Along with the ammonium nitrate, officers also recovered around 200 explosive cartridges and six bundles of safety fuse wire measuring nearly 1,100 metres. Two men, identified as Surendra Mochi and Surendra Patwa, were arrested on the spot. Police said the accused were allegedly transporting the explosives from Bundi to Tonk, and the vehicle used in the operation has been seized. Deputy Superintendent of Police Mrityunjay Mishra said the action was taken swiftly after receiving credible inputs and that all angles are being investigated. Authorities are examining whether the explosives were meant for illegal mining or for other unlawful activities. Both accused are being questioned, and the supply chain behind the consignment is also under scrutiny. The seizure has raised concerns as it comes amid heightened security across the country. Ammonium nitrate, though commonly used as a fertiliser, can be highly dangerous if misused. Last month, the same substance was used along with other explosives in a deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, which killed 15 people. On the same day as the Tonk seizure, nearly 2,900 kg of explosives were also recovered in Haryana’s Faridabad, adding to worries over illegal movement of such materials. Police have increased checks on highways and district borders and assured the public that there is no immediate threat. Investigations are ongoing, and officials say more arrests are possible as the probe continues.