As part of its ongoing crackdown on post-poll violence, the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) and local police have dismantled an interstate trafficking network, recovering 12 firearms and 150 rounds of ammunition in coordinated raids across the state. As many as eight people were arrested in connection with the illegal arms trade.
Raids in Asansol
In Asansol, two individuals identified as Firoz Hasan and Mohammad Sonu were caught in possession of firearms. They have been remanded to seven days of police custody for further interrogation.
Interception in Purulia
In Purulia, police intercepted three Jharkhand-based operatives — Rahul Tanti, Amit Toppo and Nayan Bauri — in the Jhalda area. A firearm and ammunition were recovered from their possession.
Operations in East Midnapore
In East Midnapore, police arrested two individuals and recovered two illegal firearms. According to senior police officials who were part of the Patashpur raids, a team raided suspected hideouts in Barbaghiya and Khetrapal villages, recovering two country-made guns. The arrested individuals were identified as Haripada Jana and Panchanan Das.
Investigators are currently interrogating all accused to ascertain the source of the firearms and to determine whether they were procured for any specific criminal conspiracy. Sources indicated that raids will continue in the districts as part of the broader effort to curb post-poll violence and illegal arms trafficking.
