Police to tighten checks on ammonium nitrate
Officers above the rank of sub-inspectors empowered to search and seize
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-04-24 06:12 GMT
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In view of the smuggling of ammonium nitrate to the state for making explosives, the police department has decided to strictly enforce the central norms on handling the chemical, which include restrictions on transportation and handling of the chemical between sunset and sunrise. DGP K.S. Balasubramanian recently issued a circular directing the police officers to implement the ammonium nitrate rules, 2012.
Ammonium nitrate, fertilisers used for agriculture purposes, is used for manufacturing crude explosives by mixing it with diesel. According to central rules, ammonium nitrate should not be handled between sunset and sunrise without proper illumination.
Antecedents of drivers and cleaners of vehicles in which ammonium nitrate is carried should be verified by local police.
While passing through sensitive areas, vehicles carrying ammonium nitrate should be guarded by armed police personnel. Details like sources and destination should be informed to the police authorities, says the rule.
All police officers above the rank of sub-inspectors are empowered to search and seize ammonium nitrate in the areas of their jurisdiction. Established laboratories, educational institutions, medical institutions, hospitals and health clinics are entitled to keep up to five kilogram of ammonium nitrate for scientific and educational purposes.