Baran Police Raid Seizes 231,000 kg of Explosives, Prevents Potential Disaster

Baran, Rajasthan: In a major law enforcement operation, Baran police have seized over 2.31 lakh kilograms of explosives and hundreds of firecrackers from illegal warehouses, averting what could have been a catastrophic disaster. The raids, conducted over three days, targeted the ‘RD Brothers’ firecracker depots in Mandola and are being described as the largest action of its kind in the district’s history.

Massive Seizure in Residential Area

Following the devastating Bhivadi factory blast earlier this month, authorities in Rajasthan tightened oversight on illegal explosive and firecracker factories. Acting on a tip-off on February 20, Baran SP Abhishek Andasu led a raid in Mandola, where warehouses were storing nearly double the licensed amount of explosives. The firm was licensed to store 120,000 kg but was found holding 231,300 kg of gunpowder. Police described the scene as extremely hazardous, with firecrackers drying on rooftops and tin sheds.

The operation recovered:

• 338 quintals of sutli bombs packed in 1,350 cartons
• 1,918 quintals of firecrackers in 5,500 cartons
• 12 quintals of potassium nitrate, sulfur, charcoal, aluminum powder, and blue dye

‘Operation Mandola’ Ensures Safety

The three-day operation, led by ASP Rajesh Choudhary and trainee RPS Bhajanlal, involved the municipal authorities, FSL teams, and bomb disposal squads. Investigations revealed that the warehouses had no fire safety measures in place. All three depots have now been sealed, and illegal packing machinery has been confiscated.

SP Andasu stated that negligence would no longer be tolerated in the wake of the Bhivadi incident. Kishanganj SHO Rameshchand Marotha is currently investigating the source and intended destination of the explosives. Authorities emphasized that proactive policing prevented a potential disaster that could have affected large parts of Baran city.