16,000 kg explosives seized in Bengal’s Rampurhat, 3 arrested

West Bengal Police seized 16,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate from a truck in Rampurhat on Monday night. The truck was stopped near Munsuba Mod on the Rampurhat-Tarapith road around 10 PM during a routine check. Upon inspection, 320 sacks, each weighing 50 kg, were found loaded with the explosive chemical. Police detained the truck driver and his assistant after they failed to provide valid transport documents.

During interrogation, inconsistencies in the suspects’ statements led to the arrest of a third person. According to police, the truck was transporting the explosives from Sangareddy district in Telangana to Sirsia in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district. District Superintendent of Police Aman Deep confirmed the arrests and stated, "We are investigating the purpose of transporting such a large quantity of ammonium nitrate and verifying whether the consignment had legal clearance."

Authorities are examining whether the seized ammonium nitrate, commonly used in mining and construction, was being legally transported or meant for unauthorized use. A forensic team has been deployed to analyze the material. The seizure has raised security concerns, as improper handling of such a large quantity of explosive material can pose serious risks. Police have informed higher security agencies for further investigation into possible links with organized networks.

Following the seizure, law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance on inter-state cargo transport, especially for chemicals and explosives. Officials are verifying if the shipment was part of a larger network and identifying those responsible for its procurement and intended delivery. The case is under active investigation, and further arrests are likely based on findings.