NIA takes over probe into explosives haul

Jaipur: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) Friday took over the investigation into Rajasthan's largest-ever seizure of illegal explosives after Nagaur police handed over the case files, documents and evidence in compliance with a Feb 2 order from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.The case pertains to the recovery of nearly 10,000 kg of explosives from Harsaur village under the Thawla police station area in Nagaur district.
According to sources, given the magnitude and seriousness of the seizure—considered the largest ever in Rajasthan involving illegal explosives—the home ministry decided to entrust the probe to NIA. Speaking to TOI, Nagaur Superintendent of Police Mridul Kachhawa, said, "On Jan 24, police conducted a raid at a farmhouse belonging to accused Suleman Khan, during which around 10,000 kg of ammonium nitrate, along with a large quantity of detonators and blasting wires, was seized. Khan was arrested on the spot, and based on his interrogation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) later arrested four suppliers of explosives from different locations." All five accused were sent to judicial custody after their remand period ended. Police have also named around six other individuals in the case, with further action expected. According to officials, the accused allegedly admitted that explosive material was sourced from large licensed storage units, known as magazines, and supplied to smaller unregulated units, with diversion commonly linked to illegal mining. Sources said the ammonium nitrate and other components, including wires, were moved in large quantities across multiple locations.Police said preliminary findings indicate Khan has multiple prior cases related to illegal explosives and has previously been involved in cases of illegal mining.Kachhawa said central agencies, including the NIA and the Intelligence Bureau, were involved during the initial stage and intelligence inputs were shared, and that all further investigation and legal proceedings will now be conducted by the NIA. "We handed over all the case-related files and documents to the NIA now," the SP added.