Couple Apprehended at Jorhat Railway Station with Illegal Arms Cache
In a significant breakthrough, law enforcement authorities have arrested a couple at the Jorhat railway station in Assam, recovering two pistols and 40 rounds of live ammunition from their possession. This operation has exposed what appears to be a sophisticated inter-state arms smuggling racket operating between Nagaland and Assam, raising alarms about the flow of illegal weapons in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The arrested individuals have been identified as Tutun Debnath and Maya Debnath, both residents of Dimapur in Nagaland. They were detained from the Nagaland Express at Platform No 2 around 5.45 pm on Thursday, shortly after the train arrived at the station. The couple had boarded the train earlier at Dimapur at 1.45 pm, embarking on a journey that would end in their capture.
During a meticulous search of their baggage, a police team discovered two .32 calibre pistols. One of these firearms was of Russian make, while the other was manufactured in Thailand, accompanied by 40 rounds of live ammunition. The recovery of foreign-made weapons has sparked serious concerns among officials regarding the potential source and extensive network behind this smuggling operation.
Police Operation and Intelligence Lead
Jorhat senior superintendent of police (SSP) Subhrajyoti Bora confirmed the arrest and provided insights into the events that led to this successful crackdown. "We received credible intelligence about one or two firearms likely to be transported on the train. Our teams followed the lead, and the raid was executed with precision, leading to the recovery of the illegal consignment," Bora stated. The operation was spearheaded by a police team under Jorhat police station OC Hrishikesh Hazarika, with crucial assistance from Railway Police personnel.
Bora further noted that interrogation of the couple is still ongoing, and they have not yet disclosed the source of the firearms or their intended destination. This lack of information has prompted a deeper investigation into the smuggling network.
Suspected Motives and Ongoing Investigations
Police suspect that illegal arms dealers may have enticed the couple into transporting the weapons by offering them a substantial sum of money. The perpetrators likely banked on the couple's ability to avoid police suspicion, exploiting them as carriers in this illicit trade. Details regarding the couple's occupation and livelihood remain unclear and are yet to be ascertained as part of the ongoing probe.
In a bid to trace the origin of the weapons and identify the larger network behind the smuggling operation, Jorhat police have reached out to Dimapur police for further information and assistance. This collaborative effort aims to dismantle the racket and prevent future incidents of arms trafficking in the region.
Broader Implications and Regional Concerns
The arrest highlights the persistent challenge of arms smuggling in the Assam-Nagaland corridor, underscoring the need for enhanced vigilance and inter-state cooperation. The presence of foreign-made firearms suggests a potentially international dimension to the smuggling network, warranting a thorough investigation by authorities.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with illegal arms trade and the importance of robust law enforcement measures to curb such activities. The community and stakeholders are urged to remain alert and support efforts to maintain security and order in the area.
