Kolkata, 3 June (H.S.): In a major crackdown on illegal arms trade, police in North 24 Parganas seized a large cache of illegal firearms and ammunition late Monday night during a joint raid conducted by Khardah and Kamarhati police stations. The operation, based on a confidential tip-off, led to the arrest of Naim Ansari, a resident of Maulana Salim Road in the Khardah area.

During the raid, police recovered four country-made pipe guns, four rounds of 8 mm cartridges, five rounds of .38 caliber bullets, three rounds of 7.62 mm cartridges, and one round of .318 Nitro ammunition from the accused’s residence. Authorities believe the seizure points to the presence of a larger organized criminal network operating in the area.

Acting on the intelligence input, the police team raided Ansari’s residence in Nayabasti, Panihati, late on Monday. The suspect reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was swiftly apprehended by the police from Agarpara.

Ansari is currently being interrogated to uncover the source of the weapons, their intended use, and potential buyers or accomplices. Investigators are also probing whether the accused is linked to any wider criminal syndicate operating in the region.

Given the seriousness of the case, other security and intelligence agencies have been alerted, and the investigation has been intensified to trace the origin and distribution chain of the seized arms.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh