2,000kg ammonium nitrate seized in Bangalore

Despite the recent blasts in the country, the measures to control sale of the deadly chemical, ammonium nitrate, is far from effective. On Sunday, 2,000 kg of ammonium nitrate, believed to be stolen, was seized from two persons in Bellary district.

The chemical, which was packed in 40 bags, each weighing 50 kg, was being taken to Gangavathi taluk in Koppla district where it was meant to be sold to people involved in rock mining.

Kuduthini Village police have arrested two natives of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh — Gurappa, 60, and Mehboob Pasha, 21. They were transporting the chemical in a multi-utility vehicle. The duo failed to produce any bill or document supporting legal purchase of the chemical. Police suspect that the ammonium nitrate seized was stolen.

"It's a regular supply done with unfair means. Though the item seized was going to be used for blasting hills, we cannot rule out the possibility of its use to cause major harm," said Bellary SP Chandragupta.

The two accused have not disclosed the names of the people from whom they got the ammonium nitrate in Anantapur. A team will soon be in Bellary for further investigation. "We have not informed the Andhra Pradesh police yet as the miscreants or gang behind the supply can easily escape if the information leaks," Chandragupta said.

After the blast in Delhi high court, deputy commissioner AA Biswas had passed an order to arrest those involved in illegal sale and purchase of ammonium nitrate. "We have passed a circular to all the police stations and shops selling pesticides and fertilisers in the district," said Chandragupta.

A case has been registered in Kuduthini police station.