Birbhum, 14 August (H.S.) : The Birbhum district police recovered a large quantity of live bombs and explosive materials during raids at two separate locations in the Rampurhat subdivision ahead of Independence Day. The recoveries, made following tip-offs, have triggered concern in the district ahead of the August 15 celebrations.

In the first operation, police from Mallarpur Police Station raided the house of local resident Zahiruddin Kazi at Kot village on Thursday night based on confidential information. Four sacks containing bombs were recovered from inside a mud-built room at the premises.

The area has since been cordoned off, and a bomb disposal squad has been alerted to safely defuse the recovered explosives.

In a separate operation in the jurisdiction of Rampurhat Police Station, police conducted a search at a house and recovered approximately 38 kilograms of gelatin sticks. One person has already been arrested in connection with the recovery.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the purpose for which the explosive materials were allegedly stored and whether any larger network or criminal activity is linked to the seizures.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh