Kolkata Police Makes Major Firearms Seizure in Auto-Rickshaw Interception
In a significant operation on Sunday, the Kolkata Police detective department successfully intercepted an auto-rickshaw and seized a cache of illegal weapons, marking a crucial breakthrough in combating arms trafficking into the state.
Intelligence-Led Operation Nets Suspect
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police teams were deployed to monitor vehicle movements, particularly focusing on small vehicles. The operation was based on information that weapons were being transported from Bihar and Jharkhand into West Bengal.
The interception occurred around 1 PM on Sunday as the auto-rickshaw was travelling from Gariahat towards the Eastern Bypass. A specialized team from the Detective Department's Anti Rowdy Section conducted the operation on the Rashbehari Connector under Kasba Police Station limits.
Details of the Seizure and Arrest
From the passenger of the auto-rickshaw, police recovered:
- Six firearms of various types
- Eleven rounds of live ammunition
The accused has been identified as Mohammad Isteyak (38), son of Md Ali Qureshi, hailing from Baida village under Gurua Police Station in Gaya district of Bihar. According to police officials, the suspect had travelled to Kolkata by an overnight bus from Gaya before attempting to transport the weapons via auto-rickshaw.
Police Statement on the Operation
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rupesh Kumar provided details about the operation, stating that the interception was the result of coordinated intelligence work and strategic deployment of police teams. The operation specifically targeted vehicles that could be used for discreet transportation of illegal arms.
"This seizure represents our ongoing efforts to prevent the flow of illegal weapons into West Bengal," said Kumar, highlighting the importance of intelligence-based policing in maintaining law and order.
Broader Implications for Security
The successful interception demonstrates the Kolkata Police's proactive approach to crime prevention and their capability to act on intelligence inputs effectively. Such operations are crucial for maintaining public safety and preventing potential criminal activities that could arise from the circulation of illegal firearms.
The case has been registered under appropriate sections of the law, and further investigation is underway to determine the intended destination of the weapons and any potential network involved in the arms trafficking operation.
