Central Agencies Rush to Nagaur After Massive Explosives Haul
In a significant security development, central security agencies descended upon Nagaur district on Monday following the alarming discovery of a massive stockpile of explosive materials from a residential property in Rajasthan. The recovery, which has sent shockwaves through security circles, included approximately 10,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate along with numerous cartons containing fuse wires, detonators, and other explosive components.
Village House Reveals Dangerous Cache
The explosive materials were uncovered from a house located in Sarhad Harsaur village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Thanwala police station. The discovery was made on January 24, prompting immediate security concerns and triggering a multi-agency response. The sheer volume of the ammonium nitrate recovered – nearly 10 metric tons – represents one of the largest such seizures in recent memory from a civilian premises in the region.
NIA and IB Teams Question Suspect
Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) have joined the investigation as part of a coordinated probe effort. These central agencies have questioned one individual who has been detained in connection with the case. The suspect has been identified as 58-year-old Suleman Khan, whose background is now under intense scrutiny by investigators.
Nagaur Superintendent of Police Mridul Kachawa confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently leading the preliminary investigation into this serious matter. The formation of this specialized team underscores the gravity with which authorities are treating this explosives recovery operation.
Illegal Mining Connection Suspected
Sources familiar with the ongoing investigation have revealed to media outlets that while the probe continues to develop, initial indications strongly suggest the explosives were intended for use in illegal mining operations. "We are trying to determine where the explosives were sourced from and who the intended end-users were," confidential sources involved in the case stated, highlighting the two primary lines of inquiry currently being pursued.
Repeat Offender with Technical Expertise
Further investigation into Suleman Khan's background reveals he is not a first-time offender in matters related to explosives. Police records indicate at least three prior criminal cases have been registered against him at different police stations across the region. "It appears the accused was earlier involved in the legal explosives trade and has technical knowledge of procuring, storing, and supplying explosive materials," investigative sources added, suggesting Khan possessed specialized expertise in handling such dangerous substances.
The specific cases registered against Khan include:
- Cases under the Explosives Act at Thanwala police station in 2014
- Additional cases at Padukalan police station in 2020
- Further cases at Chaupasni police station in 2020
Forest Area Operations Uncovered
Police officials have disclosed that Khan allegedly operated from the forested areas situated between Bhrairunda and Harsaur, where he reportedly made deliveries of explosive materials to various parties. This remote operational base provided both concealment and logistical advantages for his alleged activities.
Potential Central Agency Takeover
While the Special Investigation Team continues to spearhead the current investigation, sources within Nagaur police have indicated they have not ruled out the possibility of the case being handed over to central agencies for more comprehensive investigation. Given the national security implications of such a large explosives recovery and the potential interstate connections that might emerge, this remains a distinct possibility as the probe progresses.
The recovery of such a substantial quantity of ammonium nitrate – a chemical compound with both industrial and explosive applications – has raised serious concerns about potential security threats and the possible existence of organized networks involved in the illegal explosives trade. Authorities remain vigilant as they work to unravel the complete network behind this dangerous cache.
