Rajasthan Police Seizes Massive Explosives Cache, Foiling Potential Terror Plot
Rajasthan police seize 150 kg ammonium nitrate, suspecting terror conspiracy, averting disaster.
Photo by rashid khreiss
Rajasthan Police have made a significant seizure of 150 kg of ammonium nitrate, along with 200 cartridges and 1,100 metres of safety fuse wire, from a car in Tonk district. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the haul. This massive recovery, made on New Year's Eve, has led police to suspect a potential terror conspiracy, suggesting a major disaster may have been averted during celebrations.
While ammonium nitrate is commonly used in stone quarrying, its highly sensitive nature means it can cause immense destruction, as tragically seen in the 2008 Delhi Red Fort explosion where it was allegedly used. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source, intended use, and any possible links of the seized material, highlighting critical internal security challenges.
Key Facts
150 kg ammonium nitrate seized
200 cartridges and 1,100 metres safety fuse wire seized
Seizure in Tonk district, Rajasthan
Two persons arrested
Suspected terror conspiracy
Ammonium nitrate used in 2008 Delhi Red Fort explosion
UPSC Exam Angles
Internal Security: Terrorism, organized crime, illicit trafficking of explosives.
Polity & Governance: Role of state police, central agencies (NIA, IB), Ministry of Home Affairs, legal framework (Explosives Act, UAPA, Ammonium Nitrate Act).
Science & Technology: Properties and uses of ammonium nitrate, types of explosives.
Federalism: Coordination between central and state law enforcement agencies.
Visual Insights
Explosives Seizure Location: Tonk, Rajasthan
This map highlights Tonk district in Rajasthan, where a significant cache of explosives was seized, averting a potential terror plot. It contextualizes the incident within India's internal security landscape.
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Background
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding Ammonium Nitrate and its regulation in India: 1. Ammonium Nitrate is primarily used as a fertilizer but can also be used as an explosive. 2. The Ammonium Nitrate Act, 2012, regulates its storage, usage, and transportation to prevent its diversion for illicit purposes. 3. Under the Act, a license is mandatory for the possession of ammonium nitrate in quantities exceeding 500 grams. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct. Ammonium nitrate is a dual-use chemical, widely used as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and also as an oxidizing agent in explosives, particularly ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil). Statement 2 is correct. The Ammonium Nitrate Act, 2012, was enacted to regulate the storage, usage, and transportation of ammonium nitrate and to prevent its diversion for making explosives. Statement 3 is incorrect. The Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012, framed under the Act, specify that a license is mandatory for the possession of ammonium nitrate in quantities exceeding 500 kilograms, not 500 grams. This threshold is for commercial/industrial use, not small quantities.
2. In the context of India's internal security framework, which of the following statements correctly describes the role of the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?
- A.NIA is primarily responsible for intelligence gathering related to cross-border terrorism and sharing it with state police forces.
- B.NIA has the power to investigate and prosecute offenses listed in the Schedule of the NIA Act, 2008, across states without requiring state government permission.
- C.NIA's jurisdiction is limited to investigating terror-related cases within Union Territories, while states handle their own cases.
- D.NIA functions under the direct operational control of the state police forces where an incident of terrorism occurs.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Option B is correct. The NIA was constituted under the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008, primarily to investigate and prosecute offenses affecting the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India, including terror acts. It has concurrent jurisdiction with state police and can take over cases from states or investigate cases across states without requiring state government permission for scheduled offenses. Option A is incorrect. While NIA uses intelligence, its primary role is investigation and prosecution, not intelligence gathering like RAW or IB. Option C is incorrect. NIA's jurisdiction extends across all states and Union Territories for scheduled offenses. Option D is incorrect. NIA is a central agency functioning under the Ministry of Home Affairs, independent of state police operational control.
3. Which of the following legislations is NOT primarily aimed at preventing or prosecuting acts of terrorism or the illegal possession/use of explosives in India?
- A.The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA)
- B.The Explosives Act, 1884
- C.The Arms Act, 1959
- D.The Essential Commodities Act, 1955
Show Answer
Answer: D
Option D is correct. The Essential Commodities Act, 1955, is primarily aimed at ensuring the delivery of certain commodities or products, the supply of which, if obstructed due to hoarding or black-marketing, would affect the normal life of the people. It is not directly related to preventing or prosecuting acts of terrorism or illegal possession/use of explosives. Option A (UAPA) is India's primary anti-terrorism law. Option B (Explosives Act) regulates the manufacture, possession, use, sale, transport, import, and export of explosives. Option C (Arms Act) regulates the acquisition, possession, manufacture, sale, import, export, and transport of firearms and ammunition. All three are directly relevant to the context of preventing terror and illegal arms/explosives.