Republic Day threat averted as security forces seize nearly 10,000 kg explosives in Rajasthan

Jaipur, : Even as the country celebrated the 77th Republic Day with enthusiasm and high security, security agencies in Rajasthan averted a potential major disaster by seizing a huge cache of explosive material in Nagaur district. The recovery, made ahead of Republic Day, is being described as one of the biggest such operations in the state’s history.

Security forces seized nearly 10,000 kg of explosive material, including 9,550 kg of ammonium nitrate, along with a large quantity of detonators, fuse wires and other explosive accessories. The explosives were stored in 187 bags and were recovered during a raid conducted at a farmhouse located in a secluded area of Harsor village in Nagaur district.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a district police team carried out the operation and arrested one person in connection with the seizure. The arrested accused has been identified as Suleman Khan, a resident of Harsor village. Police said the recovery of such a massive quantity of explosives just ahead of Republic Day was a serious security concern and prompted immediate alerts to higher authorities.

During preliminary interrogation, the accused claimed that the explosives were stored for use in illegal mining activities. However, officials said the explanation is being verified, given the scale of the seizure and the timing of the recovery. Investigators are examining whether the explosives were intended for unlawful activities beyond illegal mining.

Police sources revealed that the ammonium nitrate and detonators recovered from Nagaur are similar in nature to materials used in a blast reported near the Red Fort in Delhi in November 2025. This similarity has raised suspicions about possible links between the two cases. As a result, the National Investigation Agency has also been alerted and is looking into the matter to ascertain whether there is any larger network involved.

Following the seizure, security has been tightened across Rajasthan, particularly in sensitive areas, and additional vigilance has been enforced in Delhi as well. Authorities said coordination between central and state agencies has been strengthened to prevent any untoward incidents.

Police officials further stated that Suleman Khan has a criminal background. He is reportedly involved in agriculture and mining-related activities and has previously been booked in at least three cases under the Explosives Act. His background and possible links to illegal supply chains of explosive material are now under detailed investigation.

The seizure has once again highlighted the challenges faced by security agencies in monitoring the illegal movement and storage of explosive substances. Officials said further arrests and disclosures are likely as the investigation progresses.