Faridabad Police Seize 2,563kg of Ammonium Nitrate in Shocking Raid
In a major security breakthrough, Faridabad Police on Wednesday uncovered 2,563 kilograms of ammonium nitrate—a highly explosive chemical—from a residential house in the NIT area. One suspect has been detained, raising urgent questions about potential misuse of the substance, infamously linked to the 2020 Beirut blast that killed over 200 people.
How the Raid Unfolded
Acting on a tip-off, the Faridabad Crime Branch raided the property and found 128 sacks (20kg each) of ammonium nitrate. The detained individual, identified as Rajesh Verma (name changed), is a local businessman with no known criminal history.
“Ammonium nitrate is a controlled explosive under the Explosives Act. Unauthorized storage is a serious crime,” said Faridabad Police Commissioner Vikas Arora. Authorities are investigating how such a large quantity went undetected in a residential zone.
Why Ammonium Nitrate Is a Major Threat
Ammonium nitrate, used legally in fertilizers and mining, becomes a deadly explosive when misused. The Beirut explosion (2,750 metric tons) demonstrated its catastrophic potential. The Faridabad seizure—2.5+ metric tons—could have caused massive damage, sparking panic among locals.
Security experts warn that terror groups favor ammonium nitrate due to its accessibility. “Even small amounts can be weaponized. This seizure hints at a serious security gap,” said ex-NIA officer Alok Singh.
Possible Motives: Illegal Mining or Terrorism?
While investigations are ongoing, two key angles are being probed:
1. Illegal Mining: Haryana faces rampant unauthorized mining, where ammonium nitrate is used to blast rocks.
2. Terror Threat: With NCR on high alert for sleeper cells, agencies haven’t ruled out extremist links. The NIA may take over if evidence points to larger networks.
Public and Political Backlash
Residents expressed fury over the lapse: “How was this allowed in a crowded area?” asked a local.
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij ordered a high-level probe, vowing strict action. Opposition leaders slammed the state government for failing to monitor hazardous materials.
Next Steps in the Investigation
- Suspect interrogation to uncover suppliers.
- Cross-checking licensed dealers’ records.
- Stricter surveillance on chemical storage in Faridabad.
Key Takeaway: A Security Wake-Up Call
This seizure highlights critical gaps in explosive regulation. Authorities must strengthen enforcement and intelligence coordination to prevent future threats.
For real-time updates, follow NextMinuteNews.
