India has narrowly averted a catastrophic terror attack, uncovering a plot involving a staggering 3,200 kilograms of explosives intended for 32 car bombs. This sophisticated “white-collar” terror module aimed to unleash unprecedented devastation, potentially making it the deadliest serial blast in global history. The sheer scale of the uncovered conspiracy sent shockwaves through security agencies, highlighting the constant threat faced by the nation.
Intelligence operations revealed a chilling plan: 32 vehicles were prepped as mobile destructive devices, each loaded with approximately 100 kilograms of ammonium nitrate. The recovered explosives alone were enough to obliterate entire city blocks. To comprehend the potential impact, a single bomb blast that previously caused significant damage and casualties would be dwarfed by 32 simultaneous explosions.
Experts indicate that detonating such a large quantity of explosives, equivalent to 2.5 tons of TNT, would result in complete destruction within a 50-meter radius. The immediate vicinity would be obliterated, with shockwaves traveling at extreme speeds capable of causing fatal internal injuries. Buildings within 150 meters would crumble, windows would shatter hundreds of meters away, and tremors would be felt for nearly a kilometer.
Historical parallels underscore the gravity of this averted disaster. The 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing, which used 1,800 kg of explosives, killed 168 people. The 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, employing 1,500 kg, resulted in 257 fatalities. This foiled plot, with its 3,200 kg of explosives, had the potential to cause exponentially more casualties, far surpassing any known terror event.
Despite the significant success in dismantling the immediate threat, critical questions linger. Investigators have recovered 2,900 kg of explosives, leaving 300 kg unaccounted for. Furthermore, only three of the 32 planned vehicles have been traced. Locating the remaining explosives and vehicles is crucial to fully understanding the scope of this terror network and ensuring no further threats remain active. The swift action of intelligence agencies prevented a national tragedy, but vigilance remains paramount.
