Kolkata, 05 June (H.S.) : In a serious security-related incident near the Panagarh Air Force Station, police have arrested two individuals on charges of installing a CCTV camera allegedly used to record activities inside the airbase perimeter.

According to officials, the camera was installed on a long pole at a distance of just around 10 metres from the boundary wall of the Air Force station. It is alleged that the device had been recording movements inside the airbase for several months.

The arrested accused have been identified as garage owner Munna Pandit and CCTV installer Sandeep Dubey. Both are residents of the Panagarh area.

The incident came to light after Air Force personnel noticed the camera a few days ago. A preliminary investigation revealed that the camera had 360-degree rotation capability and was allegedly capturing visuals of internal areas of the station as well as the main entrance gate.

Following this, the Air Force authorities lodged a complaint at the Kanksa police station. Acting on the complaint, police seized the camera and sent it for technical examination.

Given the sensitivity of the matter, Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Dr. Pranab Kumar personally visited the Kanksa police station and questioned the accused. CCTV footage related to the case was also reviewed during the investigation.

Police said that a detailed probe is underway to determine the purpose behind installing the camera, how the footage was being used, and whether any larger network is involved in the incident.

Panagarh is considered a highly sensitive military zone, and security agencies have previously registered cases related to national security concerns in the area. The incident has therefore raised fresh concerns among security officials.

Local residents Mohammad Shamim and Abdul Habib stated that police visited the garage on Wednesday, dismantled the CCTV setup, and seized the equipment. Investigation in the case is ongoing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh